If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal 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. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have 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 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 nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person and live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best way to save money on accommodations. 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 are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.