If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special 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 flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.