When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be 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 Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may 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 advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually 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
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate 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 lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.