While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, 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 cost with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are 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 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 during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times, waiting until the last minute may 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 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 an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.