If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas that will make your money go further 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times waiting till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
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 multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your 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 have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.