When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, 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’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may 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 a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save 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 safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like 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 gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find 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 look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.