If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy 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.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try 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 house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
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 may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.