If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save 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 during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. So 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 when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and 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. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation 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 especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.