If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save 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 read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like 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 gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you 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 go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.