While traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- 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 a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes 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 pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places 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. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have your own transportation 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. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find 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 to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.