If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
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 have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports, and 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 at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. 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. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at 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 pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person and live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.