While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t 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 as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, 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 to take an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When 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 groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they promote on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even 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 available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private 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 often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect accommodation within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.