If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
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
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be 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.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites 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 where guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to 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
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.