When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible 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 often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell 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 could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.