While traveling, where you lay your head during the night could eat up a big chunk 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 taking the cheapest option and we’re looking to get the most value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way 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 are important to you
Just remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to help you save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try 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 sensible to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Look for places in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities, 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. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save some money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money, while other times staying up until the last minute could result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re traveling with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These places may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise via social media. Make sure you follow them on 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, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful method to save on accommodation while still being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with your group of people, renting a campervan or RV can be the best way to save money on lodging. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore different places and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels there are often cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out prior to purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination it is possible to find a great place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations in advance or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.