If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can take up a significant portion from your spending budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as we used to be, but we need to cut costs.
The place and the way you decide to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- How big is your team
- Your interests are important to you
Just 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 place you do. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched around our accommodations throughout the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments due to their 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 more than happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts when you stay more than two nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to find a deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than on weekends. Also, try to avoid tourist crowds, and also save some money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable 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 as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare prices across different booking sites
Do not just book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points or discount for future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute can score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, make use of the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees Be certain to be aware of 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 students, military personnel, 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.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties have special deals or discounts that they advertise via social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they live in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on housing while being in your space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group renting a campervan or RV is a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car together as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and distinctive accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
For your convenience, here are some 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 discounted prices. Make sure to look these stores up before purchasing from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get great deals on luggage during seasonal sales or the off-season. This is especially true of the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or used luggage. It’s a great method to save on top-quality brands and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a little bit of investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget and incredible discounts on luggage for your next trip. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.