If you’re traveling, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. 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 throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering 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 find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for at least two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling 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’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times staying up to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Be sure to 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 and stay in their home while they stay in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be an excellent way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental car as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect quality. 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 security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.