If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your 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. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
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 on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times, waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites 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
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered 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 often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals 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 used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.