When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times, waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home 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 with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.