If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
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 bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.