If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
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 comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, 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 often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, 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 space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.