While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet 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
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
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 can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could 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 often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like 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 whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.