While traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 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 an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save more.
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 read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise 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 or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV can be the best way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.