If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lower 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 have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times, waiting to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of 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, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are 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 particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and 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 research and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.