While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
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. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low), you can save money, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal or, in other instances waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be the best way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide 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 gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand 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 excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.