If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost 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 our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than 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 that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations 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 in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times, waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions 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 look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.