If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further 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 choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. 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 the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.