If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs 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 taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that 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 another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices 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 travels to the maximum.