When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. So, 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 throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.