While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards 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 have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price, while other times staying up till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, and 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 traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save 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 can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.