While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
The place and the way 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 team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of 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, making reservations earlier can save you money and other times, waiting till the very last moment may 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 a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts 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 follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is a great method to save money on accommodations. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips 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 discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation 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, making reservations early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.