When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
Traveling with children doesn’t mean choosing the most expensive options We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a hotel you want. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with other families or friends. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in 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’s not logical to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation, and things to do like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more 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 the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays which means you’re likely to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from all the tourists and spare some cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low), you can cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal and other times, waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. They can be cheaper than booking more hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for lodging and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for things like students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning a trip with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer special discounts or deals which they promote 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
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent option to save on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together in a bundle deal can sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some helpful tips to 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 go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually find good deals on luggage during off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next travels. By comparing prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.