When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d 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 friends or other families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across 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 located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation, and 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. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs 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 more affordable during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re traveling with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding 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 to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on high-end brands. You could find lightly used luggage in perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate a great location to stay within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.