While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still 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 crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
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 spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times staying up until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid 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 ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as 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 whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.