While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to shell out more money 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
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find 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. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.