If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
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
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct 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 of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.