When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards 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 have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions 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. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good 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 the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.