While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can consume a large portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to be, but we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a place you do. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and lower your standards in more expensive 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 have to pay more for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, therefore you might be able 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 certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points or discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price, while other times staying up until the last minute could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if 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 are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use 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
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 a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great method to save on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV could be the best option to save on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available 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 vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and creativity it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.