When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. 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 world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 weekends. So, stay 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 off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.