While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel 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 costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering 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 located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times staying up till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may 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 via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.