While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices and 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 holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.