If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip 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
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.