If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare 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’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times, waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.