When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so 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 a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times staying up to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to 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 check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is 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 have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.