When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d 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 shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations 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 everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. 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. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they reside 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 family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to 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 flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding 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 you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, 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 locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.