If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to 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 logical to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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 more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a 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, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else and live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great 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 renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodations. 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 are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
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 room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful 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. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good 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
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.