If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel 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 our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards 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 located far from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book 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 on weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times staying up to the end of the day could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person and live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be a great option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore 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 within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This can be a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent 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 need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.