If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the best price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further 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 sensible to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than 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 busy on Sundays, therefore you might 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 cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with another person and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during 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 refurbished luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.