When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are 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 have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable 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 your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as 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 need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.