While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense 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 that are close to public transportation, airports, and 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 four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also 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 available to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.