While traveling the place you rest your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options – we want to get the best value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to do, yet we need to cut costs.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to pick a budget hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near airports, public transportation, 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 at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll 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 less expensive during the week than on weekends. Also, try to stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will get you a better deal and other times, waiting until the last minute could get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be scared to request an improved rate or additional amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can 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 Be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains are found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to do 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.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for solo travellers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced 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 You can usually get great 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
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. It’s a great method to save on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.