If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can take up a significant portion of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our money. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than 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 where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do, like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or facilities. 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 groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like students, military personnel, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise on social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with a different person, allowing you to reside in their house while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal can sometimes save you money on each of the components.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to go through these stores before you buy at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great way to save money on high-end brands. You could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of research and creativity, you can find a great location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.