If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. 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 costs with our friends or families. For shorter 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 that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. So be sure to follow 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 another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.