If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of 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 the full cost 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 a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also 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 people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.