When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
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. 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 are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be 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 homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals 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
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.