If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 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 a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need 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
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have 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 make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for lodging and save 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 read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip 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
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate a great place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions 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.