If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
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 pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times staying up till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through 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 when you exchange houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful 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 your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.