If you’re traveling, where you lay 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 secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same than 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 the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
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 reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times staying up to the end of the day can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person and stay in their home while they live 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 family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way 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 accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.