While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try 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 in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.