While traveling, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining 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 cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations 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 two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances staying up until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more 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 read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person and live in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be the best option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even 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 public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the fullest.