While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs 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 world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities, like beaches, restaurants, 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 four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to get away from tourist crowds, and also save 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’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, 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 distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.