While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. For short 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 taking a longer trip to 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 doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more 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 nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be 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 lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges 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 things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.