While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times staying up until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for 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 popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. Be sure to be following them on 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, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.