If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly 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 shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle 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. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like 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 whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions 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 reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.