While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else and live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on accommodations. Additionally, 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 often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips 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 to go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.