If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
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 weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times waiting until the last minute may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to 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 hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is 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 accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.