When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
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 most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.