If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
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 can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times staying up to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, 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, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise through 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 someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to 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 go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.