If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, 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 our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lowering 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 located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are 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 Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up until the last minute may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap 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 accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is the best way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services 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 complete house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are 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. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.