When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is a great way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.