If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than 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 as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, 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 globe, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations 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 pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be a great option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
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 usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.