While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But 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 around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go 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 sensible 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 near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more 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.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able 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 Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, avoid the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote through social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and 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 offered to the general public. They can also 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 cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find 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. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.