When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet 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 travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else and live in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during 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 recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.