When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay 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 pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts for 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 can result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent option to save on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.