When you’re on the road the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for 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 Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via 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, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.