If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations 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 if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save money.
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 your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could 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 comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.