While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel 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 near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times staying up to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal 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 accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great 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
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.