While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be 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 planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also 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 offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.