When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions 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 you go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.