When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places 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’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow 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 which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available 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 can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore 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 house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.