If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
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 have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 on weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials 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 in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
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 complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding 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 you check these stores out before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.