When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
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
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able 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.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early 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
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted 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 a great location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.