While 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 plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal 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, use the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person and reside in their house while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is a great option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find a great accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.