If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
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. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. 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. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful 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. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand 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 condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.