While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get 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 cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places 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 doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also 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’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times, waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.