While traveling the place you rest your head in the night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
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. Therefore, you can get 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 off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on 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 the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay 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 with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often 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, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you 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. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains 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 recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.