When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites 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 and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times, waiting until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping 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 lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for 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 cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like 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 have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.