If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, 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 other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider 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 doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times waiting until the last minute may 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 intimidated to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping 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 way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, 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 at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains 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
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.