If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
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
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense 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 locations near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach 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 four nights and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote 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 when you swap houses with another person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.