If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things 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 the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 located far from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper 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 while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment can 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 intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique 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 suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.