When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide 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 crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across 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 logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel 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 read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different 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 enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and 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. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
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 usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of 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 comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.