When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
What you do and where 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
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But 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 globe, consider taking a longer trip to places 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 pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. Make sure you 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 someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips 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 look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. 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 accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.