If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on 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 longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some 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 the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers 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
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local 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 typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations 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
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.