School is out and it is time to start thinking about summer vacations if you haven’t planned one already! Whether you are heading out for a weekend or a week long trip, you are going to need somewhere to stay. You have several varieties including hotels, motels, travel lodges, or condos, all of which can range in price and quality. The task of booking a hotel or one of the other options mentioned above can seem like a daunting one, as there seem to be so many choices out there. Because of this, you might bite the first offer that comes your way regardless of the price, but you don’t have too! There are plenty of easy ways to save money on your hotel when you travel this summer, and it does not require sacrificing quality.
Below, you will find a wonderful selection of tips and tricks that can help you with saving money on a hotel. The whole point of a vacation is to relax, so don’t let the cost of your accommodations be a source of stress. Instead, take a peak below and see how easy it is to save.
Seven Tips for Saving Money on a Hotel:
1. Compare prices online.
Before you book, check online booking services such as Priceline.com, Orbitz.com, and Expedia.com. All of these offer low price guarantees and price matching services. You don’t have to commit to a room to search and compare, so it is worth your time checking here first!
2. Know your discount status.
Many hotel lines offer discounts based on a variety of factors. If you are a senior, Army vet or currently serving in the Army, an AARP member, or even a teacher, you may be entitled to a discount. Discounts can range from 10%-20% so it is worth asking. Not sure what discounts are available? Just call or check the website of the hotel you are considering and ask.
3. Stay where kids stay free.
Because hotels know that many couples travel with children, they offer kids stay free options. If you are traveling with children this option can save you quite a bit of cash. There is no sense in paying for extra children if you don’t have to, so be sure to ask the hotel you are considering if children can stay for free.
4. Opt for weekday stays.
No matter where you stay, weekends will cost you more than weekdays. You can end up paying as much as 40% more if you stay Fridays through Sundays. So if you can, plan your trip mid week. Your rates will be considerably lower and you will surely save. If you can’t stay entirely mid week, try to spend no more than one weekend day at the hotel. The less weekend rates you need to pay the better.
5. Call the hotel directly.
Before booking online, call the hotel directly and ask for any unadvertised specials. They might have last minute rooms to fill or be running an offer you did not know about. It is worth calling to see what deals might be available or what special accommodations you might be able to upgrade to. You get a level of personal service when you call and make reservations this way, and the desk operator might be able to get you a better room for less.
6. Get on the list.
Do you have a favorite place you like to stay? Be sure to get on their mailing list. You can do this online in just a few minutes. Once you are on the list, you will get regular mailings and emails alerting you of special sales and offers. It is worth doing this if you have a hotel chain you really enjoy using.
7. Pay using cash back programs.
When booking, use a credit card that offers you cash back on your purchase, or book through a rewards program such as Swagbucks. This way, you are getting money back or other perks on your stay. Many cards and reward programs offer cash and perks when you book hotels, and since this is often a sizable purchase you are due to earn a nice chunk of change back.
As you can see, there are plenty of simple ways to save on your next hotel stay without sacrificing what you really want or need. This summer, when it comes time to choose a hotel, give a few of this tips a try and see what a difference it makes. There are always deals to be found, sometimes you just need to spend a few extra minutes looking for them or asking about them.
Enjoy your summer travel without the stress of overpaying for a hotel. Follow these tips and you will surely keep more green in your pocket!
Make sure you check out our Saving Money Blog and also our How to Coupon Page for more tips, tricks and videos on saving money and using coupons.
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