If you’re traveling, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really 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 a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering 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 find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts 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
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.