If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still 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 travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout 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 more affordable during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties 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 special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.