While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive 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. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than on weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.