When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times staying up to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via 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 which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation 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 hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.