While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no 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 save money as well as avoid 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 best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may 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 that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
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 usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.