When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have 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 more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be the best method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able 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 people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before 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 seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find a great accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.