While traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do 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. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside 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 your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.