If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we 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. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
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 making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.