When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
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 usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.