If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
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 more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person and reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV could be the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available 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 in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.