While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just 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 lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further 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 in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even 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 public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.