While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use these rewards to cover your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts on items such as students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise through social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great option to save on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you look these stores up prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.