When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good 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 a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. Make sure you follow 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, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world 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 do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly 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 comfortable, clean, and safe options.
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 home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions 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. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.