While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save 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 prefer 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 hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more 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 if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations 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 offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find 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. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are 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 security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.