If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try 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 choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports 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 more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent 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 price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and 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 offered to the general people. Plus, they can conduct 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 cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.