While traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times, waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers 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 you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.