If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
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 spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times staying up to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, 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 with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t offered 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 car together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to 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, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.