If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further 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 sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
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 the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up until the last minute may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When 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
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-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. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even 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. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique 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 find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. 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 have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.