When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 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 assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to 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 logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times, waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals 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
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.