While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best value for budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on 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 accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like cleaning or resort fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on 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 someone else, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able 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 special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.