When you’re on the road 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 many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe 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 we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with other families or friends. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than 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 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 doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and activities such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout 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 on weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up till the very last moment can result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly with a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for families or groups. They are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging 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 certain to read the fine print before booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for things like military personnel, students as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote via 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 or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else and stay in their home while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV is a great way to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you go through these stores prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate a great accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the maximum.