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 secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
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
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels 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
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save 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 shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals 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 establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.