When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other 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 two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at 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 places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions 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 for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.