How to cut that hotel price tag when booking a vacation
Do you have a family trip coming up this winter? Or maybe a business trip with colleagues? Either way, you’re undoubtedly looking to save some money when you book your hotel.
With so many online booking sites, it can be difficult to ensure you are really getting the best deal possible on your hotel. One way you can do so is by following these tips:
Consider the area when you book
Most business travellers tend to book their trips last minute. Meanwhile, most leisure travellers tend to book far in advance. Knowing this information can prove useful to you. For example, if you are booking a hotel in an area that is known for leisure travel, most people will have booked about two-months before their expected travel date. Therefore, a hotel looking to ensure they are full will likely begin to offer discounts.
Consider all factors when looking at the price
You might find a deal that seems too good to be true on a discount travel website, but make sure you read the fine print when comparing. For example, some of those websites will not include additional fees such as state taxes or even a daily resort fee when you book. When you add those extra fees, there might not actually be a price difference from another travel website after all. You will also have to pay more money when you are actually on your trip.
Try to be flexible on your dates
If you are booking your trip with specific dates in mind, know that you are already at an advantage in terms of saving the most money. Especially when it comes to leisure travel, remember that the weeks that work best for you (for example, March break) are the same weeks that work best for many other families, as well. If you can be flexible with your dates, even by just a day or two, you can save big time money.
You better shop around
Try to search on at least two to three different websites to make sure you are finding the best deal possible, but also keep in mind the tips above!
If all else fails, remember the grace period
If you see an online deal for a hotel but aren’t sure if you can eventually find something better, the best thing to do is to go ahead and book it. Unlike flights, hotel chains will let you cancel as long as you give 48 hours’ notice, so you always have the option to cancel your original booking if you happen to stumble upon a better deal later.
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