When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
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’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times, waiting until the last minute can 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 intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
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 making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Plus, 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 can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials 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 highest degree.