While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering 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 pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances staying up until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties 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. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.