While traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or 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 groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via 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 and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be the best way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the 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 used luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.