While traveling the place you rest your head at night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
We find that traveling with children doesn’t mean going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to do, yet we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a hotel you want. Therefore, our aim is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find an accommodation that you are happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. For short stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re planning to take an extended trip across the world, try making more time in areas 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 find a cheap hotel located far from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas that are close to airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for at least two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, therefore you might 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 Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than weekends. Also, try to avoid the crowds and 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 the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to cut costs while avoiding crowds and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
When you book directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for groups or families. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking several hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels might charge additional fees for things like resort or cleaning charges, so be certain to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning a trip with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise on social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with another person, allowing you to stay in their home while they reside in yours. This can be a great way to save money on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling as a family or group, renting a campervan or RV could be an excellent option to save on accommodation. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental car as a package deal could occasionally save money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups of travelers. And with the rise of boutique hostels, you can often find safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips 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 for sale at a discount. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a department store.
Look for off-season sales
Similar to accommodation It is not uncommon to get good bargains on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy refurbished or used
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on the top brands, and you may be able to find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity, you can find the perfect accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, as well as exploring other options such as rental homes and home sharing platforms, you can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the fullest.