While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. 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 trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times, waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling 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 discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.