If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of your 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 – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times staying up 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 feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And 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 for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.