If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas 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 choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for 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 busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of 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 more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be the best method to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you could find 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 affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales 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 highest degree.