When you’re on the road, where you lay your head during the night could take up a significant portion of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy accommodation.
Traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option We want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used be, but we still would like to save money.
What you do and where you decide to live depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting 15% off the room you don’t need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save cash on accommodation and find the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched the way we travel over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports, 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 at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds 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 during the week than on weekends. So, get away from all the tourists and spare money by travelling during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to reduce costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent conditions.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will save you money or, in other instances waiting to the end of the day may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel scared to request more value or features. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can use them to pay for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees, so be certain to check the fine print prior to booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with a different person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful option to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent method to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are an affordable option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, such as staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Be sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true of outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find the perfect location to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals regarding luggage and luggage options for the next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.