While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as 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 a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take 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 expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
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. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or 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 till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus 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 for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.