When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can 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 doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations 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 in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up until the last minute may 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 scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform 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 money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect 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 affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.