While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good 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 cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure 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 in which you can earn points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and 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 you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.