If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid 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 more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. 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 a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on 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, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home 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 usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually 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 method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.