While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
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 pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.