While traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. However, for shorter 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 spending more time in places 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 doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for 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 tend to be 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 check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times, waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early 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 highest degree.