If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling 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 which they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person and live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like 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, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.