When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in 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’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, 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 fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house 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 of people renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation 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 public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private 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 retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.