If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal 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, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding 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. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.