While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas 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 logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation 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 more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.