When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times staying up till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.