When you’re on the road the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean 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 need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we 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 hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider taking a longer trip to 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 choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and activities, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, 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 find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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 more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money or, in other instances, waiting till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find 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 safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding 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 to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.