If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can 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 isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save 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 prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more 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 if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with 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
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.