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 many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you 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 longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. 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 during the week than on weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct 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 cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage in 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 recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.