When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Stay at the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, stay away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times waiting till the very last moment may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, utilize these rewards to cover your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. Be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with someone else and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be a great way to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
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 complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, 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 look these stores up before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.