When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges So be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. 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 on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation 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. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in perfect quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and 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 an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.