When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further 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 sensible to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for 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 two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable 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, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person and live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.