While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most 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 a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times, waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive 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 suggestions 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 at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.