When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over time. 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 friends or other families. However, for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider making more time in areas that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from all amenities and you need to spend extra on transportation. Look for places in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds 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 cheaper during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can avoid all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances staying up until the last minute can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as students, military personnel, 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 planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with someone else and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV can be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to 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 flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
In addition, here are some tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.