While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times, waiting 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 features. 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 an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with a different person, allowing you to live in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be a great option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions 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. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.