If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but 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 travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations 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 spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on future stays.
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 score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote on social media. 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 when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.