When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards 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 have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access 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 vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the 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 fullest.