Book cheap hotels
When you’re on a vacation, you shouldn’t live like a pauper, especially if you’re going to travel abroad. After all, how much fun could it be if you’re always scrimping? The key is to save a lot of money on hotels, so that you can go ahead and splurge on other things that matter a lot to you, such as eating out and having fun. Here’s how to do it!
1. Don’t Just Focus on the Room
Ordinarily, you go to a vacation spot to enjoy the sights, and engage in a lot of activities you’d otherwise not be able to do back home. That being the case, don’t put all your focus on the room accommodation that you will be getting.
This doesn’t mean that you need to put up with non-flushing bathrooms, cockroaches scurrying around, or sleeping in rooms with paper thin walls such that you can hear the person next door snoring away like an elephant. The point is, you don’t need to stay in some fancy and overrated hotel, if simple but comfortable lodging will do.
Also, remember that these considerations, which may come with your booked room, can help you save a lot of money. So, check out what you’re booking to be able to estimate the savings you’ll be able to make:
- free breakfast
- free shuttle services (especially if you’re going to be billeted in a non-downtown area)
- free connectivity (wired or wifi, as long as you’ve got the goods, you’ll do okay)
2. Do Comparisons Online and Haggle
You don’t need to do it like you’re haggling with a fish vendor, of course. But, there are benefits to be had if you’re able to get in touch and speak directly with someone from the hotel who has authorization to give you discounts.
If this isn’t possible because you live overseas and dread getting a huge phone bill, then, you can send them an email. Make your inquiry and request polite and friendly to get the best results. Remember, do not do this on just one hotel or lodging place. Spreading a wide net is good, provided that you won’t end up in the boondocks.
3. Look for Free Upgrades and Price Drop Refunds
Some websites have a cool system, where you are refunded the difference between your booking price and a rate drop, when it happens. These sites understand that hotel prices change all the time depending on the season, on whether a major event gets booked or not, and the overall state of the economy. They are kind enough to give you back the difference.
4. Look for “Book Early and Pay When You Stay Deals”
Booking early can help you save money for the following reasons:
- They guarantee their promise of giving only the lowest rates
- They don’t charge additional booking fees
- They can offer free cancelations on most rooms, in case you change your mind.
- They have “book early and pay when you stay” deals which is good if you have to deal with forex fluctuations.
5. Look for Discounts Given to Special Groups
There are hotels and other lodging places that give discounts ranging from 5 to 25% to members of the military, or members of the academe. Don’t be shy about mentioning this and inquiring about discounts. Some hotel also offer discounts to returning guests.