While traveling, where you lay your head in the 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 kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay 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
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive 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 helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.