If you’re traveling the place you rest your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we would like to save money.
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 crew
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and other things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout 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 more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money and other times, waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or 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 a great option for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties 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 in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals which they promote through social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with another person and stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
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 perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and imagination it is possible to find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.