While 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 worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation 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. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save more.
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 read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like 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 popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. 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 can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find 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 check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.