When you’re on the road 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 many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split 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 taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times staying up to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers 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 or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.