If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas 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 if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times, waiting until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Make sure you 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 exchange houses with someone else and live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you 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 go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.