If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. However, for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in more costly countries.
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. Find hotels in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded 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.
Weekdays are your friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price or, in other instances waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use these rewards to cover lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best 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 a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as 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 accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family hiring a campervan, or RV is the best option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
As a bonus Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This is a fantastic option to save money on top-quality brands and 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 affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.