If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation 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. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges 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 for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able 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 special offers that aren’t offered 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 car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips 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 to go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.