If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used do, yet we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be the best way to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, 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 often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.