When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
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. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
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 have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times staying up till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent way to save money 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 deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.