When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, 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.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV is the best way to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.