If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could consume a large portion from your spending budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options – 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 still need to cut costs.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the globe, consider making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
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 all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds 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 cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal, while other times staying up until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer discounts or special offers for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote on social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person and live in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the fullest.