While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to 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. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in 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 doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other 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. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Make sure you 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 exchange houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation 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. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive 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 tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.