By Ryan Aaron
Whether you are looking for a getaway or to save money on travel, there are a few simple strategies that can help you find the best deals and discounts. These strategies can be used for hotel, resort, and condo stays.
Keep an eye on prices as they change, and sign up for price alerts to get notified when the hotel rates go down. This will save you time and hassle on your next vacation!
Use Online Travel Agents
Online travel agents (OTAs) are third-party websites that sell travel-related products on behalf of their partners, including hotels and other accommodation providers. They also resell flights, vacation packages, car rentals, and activities.
Several OTAs offer package deals and flash sales for specific dates or destinations, which can be a great way to save money on your hotel reservations. Moreover, these sites often feature customer reviews from travelers who booked through them.
However, despite their popularity, there are a few drawbacks to using these services. First, you’ll have to pay a commission on each booking you receive from an OTA. This fee depends on the property type, amenities, and other factors.
Another area for improvement is overbookings. Keeping track of all the bookings can be challenging if you have more than one OTA on your profile. A centralized booking system and channel manager can help you track and manage overbookings efficiently.
Whether you’re a small, medium, or large property, OTAs can be an excellent tool for increasing visibility and bookings. But, like any marketing, you must be strategic in using them.
Look for Discount Codes
One of the best ways to snag a snazzy hotel or condo for your next trip is to sign up for a membership program. Generally, these programs offer their members freebies, discounts, and other perks. The benefits of membership often outweigh the cost. For example, a travel rewards credit card membership can net you hundreds of dollars in bonus points or miles, which is a big win for the average family.
Another way to save money on your next vacation is to use the sharing economy. Airbnb, Couchsurfing, and housesitting are all excellent options for finding a snazzy abode for your next adventure. The sharing economy also trumps the usual suspects, like hotels and restaurants, in many ways, including flexibility, cleanliness, and privacy. The best part is you can save a bundle by staying in a place someone else has carefully vetted. The most important thing to remember is that you have to be flexible to get the most out of your stay.
Book Early
Whether looking for an all-inclusive stay or a vacation home, the best deals are usually available when you book well in advance. Booking your room early can save you a lot of money, especially if you’re planning to visit a popular destination or during a peak travel season.
The best way to book early is through online travel agencies. Many of them bundle airfare with hotel stays and offer discounts on packages. These bundled offers are beneficial if you book at the last minute, and airfares may spike in the middle of your trip.
Another great option is to book hotels through a site called Hotwire. This site allows you to search for prices from multiple vendors and then snag the lowest price. Its no-nonsense homepage search box lets you filter by destination, property type, and hotel star rating.
When searching for hotels, it’s also a good idea to look for properties that offer an “Early Bird” discount. Often these discounts can be as much as 50% off and can be found for bookings made within a day or two of traveling.
You can also call your hotel and ask if they’ll waive any additional fees or offer other deals if you’re a regular customer or rewards program member. Remember that some deals may not apply to every property, so check out your options before making a reservation.
Stay Off the Beaten Path
When booking a hotel, there are many options to consider. But which is the best one for your particular trip?
For starters, you’ll want to do a little research on websites like Hotels.com before you make your final decision. Understanding the different room types and amenities available will help you narrow your choices and save time and money.
Generally, the best place to start is with your hotel’s website. Most easy-to-use search tools let you find rooms by location, price, star rating, and other criteria.
Another option is a travel agent. They can often score better deals than you could find on your own. Moreover, they can give you the inside scoop on local restaurants, activities, and things to do that you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
You can also check out the latest in high-tech travel – like the ability to book your entire trip online or access your itinerary via mobile device – or go all out and rent an actual vacation home. While these accommodations might not be as convenient as the classic hotel, they will still allow you to stay connected with your loved ones back home without breaking the bank. This is especially true if you’re planning on traveling with the whole family.
