When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet 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 level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer 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. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be 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
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts 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
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal 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 a great option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.