If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. However, 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, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-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 save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be 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
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, 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 popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person and live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could 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 the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.