While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose 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
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and 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’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas 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’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as 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 pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times staying up till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote 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
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.