If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with other families or friends. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies 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, while other times waiting till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV can be the best way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, 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 whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
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 like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.