If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good 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.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
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 can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up to the end of the day can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be a great 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 that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
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 choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as 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 for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers 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 good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.