Feb
4th
Author: admin |
Files under Travel Advice, Travel Learning
Hotel and lodging deals are easy to find if you know where to look. In fact, season-specific room rates, last-minute deals, and special discounts are often right at your fingertips and ready for the taking! Before you book, read our tips on how to save the most money -- and get the best value -- at hotels around the world.
Prioritizing Your Pennies
There are vacations for which where you sleep is a high priority (your honeymoon, say) and trips when a hotel room is just a place to catch some Zzzz's between hitting the slopes, sand, shops, or sights. Before you start comparing prices, know your priorities to narrow the playing field. A fancy resort's numerous amenities and services offer zero value if you're not
Prioritizing Your Pennies
There are vacations for which where you sleep is a high priority (your honeymoon, say) and trips when a hotel room is just a place to catch some Zzzz's between hitting the slopes, sand, shops, or sights. Before you start comparing prices, know your priorities to narrow the playing field. A fancy resort's numerous amenities and services offer zero value if you're not
going to take advantage of them. Start with your minimum wishlist for this particular getaway -- workout equipment, a Jacuzzi tub in your room, or just a bed to rest your head -- and spend accordingly.
Surfing for Savings
Visit a one-stop travel-booking website such as Trip.com to compare prices, view lodging photos and details, check out condo rentals deals, and find last-minute specials. Some sites offer great search parameters: Trip.com, for example, allow you to search by proximity to an airport or landmark and specify a budget and desired amenities.
Searching for Package Deals
If you don't have your heart set on a specific hotel, resort, or condo, consider searching flight, lodging, & car; flight & lodging; or lodging & car packages, which may be cheaper than booking your travel components separately. Speaking of packages, don't sign up for a "golf package," "romance package," or other type of hotel package before finding out what each perk would cost if booked a la carte. You'll be less "tied down" -- and may save money by keeping your options open.
Timing Your Visit Just Right
Traveling during a destination's low season or "shoulder" season (the period right before or after high season) can save you up to 50%. Aside from a destination's high season (usually the most expensive time of year), local festivals, events, conventions, and holidays may drive rates up here and there throughout the year. Lodging rates in cities such as Las Vegas, for example, are dramatically affected by conventions, and rates change by the minute! To find out about a destination's low and shoulder seasons, call a Travel Professional at 1.800.TRIP.COM (1.800.874.7266). If off-season travel isn't an option, juggle where you stay and when: Big-city hotels may offer lower rates on weekends, when business travel drops off, while cozy bed-and-breakfast inns may offer great mid-week specials, when weekend travelers are working.
Becoming a Member
Flex your card-carrying muscle. Check the membership privileges for all of your credit cards and any other organizations you belong to, including AAA, AARP, and unions. Join hotel loyalty (or "frequent-stay") programs to snag automatic price breaks or rack up points for free stays and/or upgrades. Ask your employer or human resource department about any corporate discounts that you may be able to use. In addition, ask about senior rates or discounts, -- which may net you up to 15% off, -- or deals for children, -- such as "kids stay (or eat) free" programs. Note: To cash in on these savings, you may need to speak with someone over the phone in addition to, or instead of, booking online. For more information, call a Travel Professional at 1.800.TRIP.COM (1.800.874.7266).
Asking About "Hidden" Charges
When comparing prices, be sure to ask what extra charges apply -- they can add a bundle to your bill! Local hotel taxes (up to 15%) are unavoidable, but vary by city and sometimes by the type or size of the establishment. Service charges are common, but inquire what's covered (i.e., gratuities may be included, and will help you avoid tipping twice). However, too many additional automatic charges (e.g., parking fees, high surcharges on phone calls, etc.) may drive you elsewhere.
Surfing for Savings
Visit a one-stop travel-booking website such as Trip.com to compare prices, view lodging photos and details, check out condo rentals deals, and find last-minute specials. Some sites offer great search parameters: Trip.com, for example, allow you to search by proximity to an airport or landmark and specify a budget and desired amenities.
Searching for Package Deals
If you don't have your heart set on a specific hotel, resort, or condo, consider searching flight, lodging, & car; flight & lodging; or lodging & car packages, which may be cheaper than booking your travel components separately. Speaking of packages, don't sign up for a "golf package," "romance package," or other type of hotel package before finding out what each perk would cost if booked a la carte. You'll be less "tied down" -- and may save money by keeping your options open.
Timing Your Visit Just Right
Traveling during a destination's low season or "shoulder" season (the period right before or after high season) can save you up to 50%. Aside from a destination's high season (usually the most expensive time of year), local festivals, events, conventions, and holidays may drive rates up here and there throughout the year. Lodging rates in cities such as Las Vegas, for example, are dramatically affected by conventions, and rates change by the minute! To find out about a destination's low and shoulder seasons, call a Travel Professional at 1.800.TRIP.COM (1.800.874.7266). If off-season travel isn't an option, juggle where you stay and when: Big-city hotels may offer lower rates on weekends, when business travel drops off, while cozy bed-and-breakfast inns may offer great mid-week specials, when weekend travelers are working.
Becoming a Member
Flex your card-carrying muscle. Check the membership privileges for all of your credit cards and any other organizations you belong to, including AAA, AARP, and unions. Join hotel loyalty (or "frequent-stay") programs to snag automatic price breaks or rack up points for free stays and/or upgrades. Ask your employer or human resource department about any corporate discounts that you may be able to use. In addition, ask about senior rates or discounts, -- which may net you up to 15% off, -- or deals for children, -- such as "kids stay (or eat) free" programs. Note: To cash in on these savings, you may need to speak with someone over the phone in addition to, or instead of, booking online. For more information, call a Travel Professional at 1.800.TRIP.COM (1.800.874.7266).
Asking About "Hidden" Charges
When comparing prices, be sure to ask what extra charges apply -- they can add a bundle to your bill! Local hotel taxes (up to 15%) are unavoidable, but vary by city and sometimes by the type or size of the establishment. Service charges are common, but inquire what's covered (i.e., gratuities may be included, and will help you avoid tipping twice). However, too many additional automatic charges (e.g., parking fees, high surcharges on phone calls, etc.) may drive you elsewhere.
