If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, 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 doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling 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 can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for 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 houses, are a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote through 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
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save 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 hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available 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 car together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.