When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
We find that traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider making more time in areas where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do, like 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 for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to get away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request more value or features. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with 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 cleaning or resort fees Be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with your pet 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 have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could 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 cozy, clean and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find the perfect place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.