If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations 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 two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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 cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal, while other times waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals 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 card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal could often save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.