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 secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay 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 an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over 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 costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
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 the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times, waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even 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 people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.