When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
Traveling with children isn’t always choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t like isn’t the same as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost of our trip with our friends or families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the world, try 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 in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights and pay for three.
Stay at in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to find a deal. Also, if you book 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and 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 during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards or discounts on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can offer a better price and other times, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they are less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotels, independent establishments or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else which allows you to stay in their home while they live in yours. This can be a great method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be a great method to save money on lodging. Additionally, 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 public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and exclusive accommodation options like 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 helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often get great deals on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.