If you’re traveling 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 options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider 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 logical to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times, waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.