While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. But 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 globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
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 are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through 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 exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole 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 often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.