If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not as 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 will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations 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 when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times waiting to the end of the day could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, use them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to conduct 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 individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore 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 complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.