If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same 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 a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on 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 another person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be a great option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.