If you’re traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our money. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get 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’re more comfortable in apartments because they have bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
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’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to get 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’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can save money, avoid crowds and still have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just 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 offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price, while other times staying up until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for 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 a great option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, or 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 popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with a different person and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even 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. They can also 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 money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation You can usually find good deals on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as 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 little bit of research and creativity, you can find a great place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next travels. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking 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 You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.