While traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- 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 need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all 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 do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.