If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards 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 in a location that is miles from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional 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 families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
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 complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.