When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
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 the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. 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 multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers 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 at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are 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 of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.