If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly 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 countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located 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 when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times staying up till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple 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 money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.