If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might even 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 less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations 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 extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.