If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we 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. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards 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 if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus 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 for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.