When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly 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 have to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, 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 not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times staying up until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, 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 reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during 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 refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near 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 necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.