If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still want to save some dough.
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
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re 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 lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person and live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation 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 car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly 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 exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.