While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off the room you don’t want isn’t as good as paying full price for a place you do. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to pick a budget hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals If you stay for two or more nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money, while other times, waiting until the last minute could score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning a trip with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts which they promote via social media. Make sure you be following 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, allowing you to reside in their house while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family, renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. They can also do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room within a local’s home or renting a whole house for a large gathering.
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 typically have a variety of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, or exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.