When you’re on the road, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
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. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted around our accommodations over time. In the case of longer travel, we’re more comfortable in apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with our friends or families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and lowering 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 in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay more than two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Go to the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price and other times, waiting until the last minute may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel 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 ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of them to pay for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts for things like military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you exchange houses with a different person which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be a great method to save money on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to visit different locations and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to 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 occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups. With the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to look these stores up prior to purchasing from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay have good options and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget and incredible deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for 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 maximum.