While traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. 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 with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas 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’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available 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 sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find 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 to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.