When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the best price for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, 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. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to 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 a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be ideal for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things like cleaning or resort fees Be certain to be aware of the fine print before booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
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, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group of people, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance 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 deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like 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 complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.