While traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at 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 lines at check-ins and outs 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. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal 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 with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. 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 stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is the best way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do 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 cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper 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 for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good 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 can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.