If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still 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 style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas 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 have to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various 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 most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some 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 discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.