While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs 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 weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or 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 groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations 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 deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. 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 accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.