While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.