While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering 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 choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Make sure you 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 exchange houses with another person and live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world 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 available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips to 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. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.