When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. 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 exchange houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.