When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, 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. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. 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 the process of swapping houses with another person and live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.