If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we need to cut costs.
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 comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times, waiting till the very last moment could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or features. 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 an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.