If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d 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. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across 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’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra 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 an ideal option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel 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 offer special discounts or deals that they promote via 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 which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect 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 accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.