While traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable 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 dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we 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 short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
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 can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate a great location to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices, 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.