While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
For us, traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may 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.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person and live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people, renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places 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 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 flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus 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. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate a great place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.