While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
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
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than 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 your money goes further 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and 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. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
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. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do 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 of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique 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 for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money 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 as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.