If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to avoid the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV can be a great option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered 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 together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during 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. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.