While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for money. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places 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 pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to 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 are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can perform 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 are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.