While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards 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 spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they promote on 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 someone else and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. 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 accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.