If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off 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 assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider making more time in areas where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay 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 cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a 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 typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the fullest.