While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live 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 an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
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 doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling 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 can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might just 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 cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to 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 particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.