When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas 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 in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via 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 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 group of people renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like 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 traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.