While traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with 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 happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. 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 promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible 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 vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the 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 recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.