If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put 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 accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
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’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure 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, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else and live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.