While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options and we’re looking to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas where you can save more and lowering your standards in countries that are more expensive.
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 shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, stay away from 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’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be scared to request a better rate or extra amenities. There’s no way to know if 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 several hotel rooms.
Take advantage of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your hotel and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items like resort or cleaning charges So be certain to read the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or promotions for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller hotels, independent establishments 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 offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you swap houses with a different person and reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on housing while having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV is an excellent method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general people. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to go through these stores before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or used 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 perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. If you do a little research and creativity you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the maximum.