When you’re on the road, where you lay your head at night can consume a large portion of the budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off a room you don’t really want isn’t as good than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over the years. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost of our trip with other families or friends. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas that are close to public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Plus, if you stay 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. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment could result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of them to pay for lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges 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, or 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 popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person which allows you to reside in their house while they live in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great method to save money on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
As a bonus here are some tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is particularly true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. If you do a little investigation and creativity it is possible to find an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals in luggage to take on your next travels. By comparison shopping, signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the fullest.