While traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head during the night could take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- The size of your crew
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off the room you don’t like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended journey around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to find a cheap hotel located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates when you stay at least two nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights, and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to 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 some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s no surprise that hotels are more affordable during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money while avoiding crowds and have decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can save you money, while other times waiting to the end of the day may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of these rewards to cover your lodging and save money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to be aware of the fine print before making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise through social media. 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 when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family hiring a campervan, or RV could be a great option to save on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Look for 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 safe, comfortable, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to help you 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. Make sure you look these stores up before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or recycled luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage in near perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination you can locate a great accommodation within your budget and incredible deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.