While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are many options to locate secure, affordable and cozy accommodations.
For us, traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options We want to get the best value for dollars. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used be, but we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As as a family, we’ve changed up our accommodation preferences over time. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip 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 around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports, and things to do, like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for more than 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 busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. So, get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy a pleasant conditions.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Do not book on the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting to the end of the day could get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra facilities. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that has travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things like resort or cleaning charges Be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer special discounts or deals that they promote via social media. Be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with another person which allows you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on accommodation while still being in your space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling as a group or family renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodation. 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 can often access discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can often save you cash on each component.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the popularity of hostels that are boutique it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and secure options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and distinctive accommodation options, like staying in a private room in a home owned by a local or renting a complete house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure to go through these stores prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great method to save on the top brands, and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal place to stay within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms to increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the maximum.