While traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further 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 find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is the best method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.