While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as 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 stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
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 peak and off-peak) you’ll save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times staying up till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as 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 investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.