While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
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 locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able 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.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times, waiting to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites 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 most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip 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
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal 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 is a great method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, 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 house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, 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 prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.