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 don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or 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 world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach, 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 nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various 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.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
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 pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote on 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 exchange houses with another person and stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions 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 check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.