If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent 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 deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times, waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
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 places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person and reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms 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 whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. 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 necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.