While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards 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 everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit 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 may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places 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 promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person and stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
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. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early 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 trip to the fullest.