Pocket-Friendly Lodging
Travelling should be about exploring and creating memories, not breaking the bank on hotels. Hotel costs can quickly eat into your travel budget, which is why learning how to save money on hotels is a must for budget-conscious travelers. With the average cost for a double occupancy hotel room in the US being $259 USD per night, even a short trip can cost you thousands once you factor in transportation, meals and entertainment. Whether you’re a new or seasoned traveler, the good news is there are many strategies you can use to save money on hotels.
In this article, we’ll be exploring seven different ways you can save money on hotels for your next trip. Get ready to plan your dream trip, while still staying within your budget.
7 Smart Strategies to Save Money on Hotels
1. Book at the Right Time
Timing is everything. Similar to how flight prices fluctuate depending on when you book, so does pricing for hotel rooms. Booking in advance (typically two to three months before your trip) often unlocks access to early bird discounts offered by hotels. If you’ve missed that window, another option is to find last-minute deals.
While last-minute deals can offer steeper discounts, they usually come with limited options, which is not ideal if you have a specific hotel in mind. Lastly, some popular destinations tend to experience predictable price fluctuations throughout the year, and researching historical price trends can help you find the “sweet spot" for booking.
2. Be Flexible
When it comes to traveling, being flexible can pay off. Traveling during shoulder season or weekdays can save you a lot of money compared to traveling during peak times. When demand is lower, so are prices, which means you’re more likely to score a good deal when fewer people are traveling. Next, don’t just limit yourself to city centers or tourist hotspots. Explore staying in the suburbs or neighborhoods outside of the city that offers lower hotel rates while still giving you access to tourist attractions.
3. Do Your Research
Be an informed consumer and compare prices. Websites and apps like Booking.com and Expedia make it easy to compare hotel rates from a variety of different hotels to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal. Before booking, try searching for promotional codes and discounts offered by hotels, travel websites and membership programs to maximize your savings.
4. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Get rewarded for stays by joining hotel loyalty programs. Most hotel chains offer them for free and once you collect enough points, you can redeem them for perks such as free nights, room upgrades and more. As you collect more points, you get the chance to be part of a higher tier within the program. This can give you access to even more perks like complimentary meals or late check-out.
5. Use Hotel or Travel Credit Cards
Earn points or cash-back towards hotel bookings and travel using hotel or travel credit cards for your day-to-day purchases. When it comes to hotel and travel credit cards, there are plenty of options and many of them tend to offer sign-up bonuses for new customers. Not only do they help you collect points or cash towards your next trip, but many of them come with extra perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance.
Keep in mind that to take advantage of hotel savings using credit cards, only use them for purchases you’d make regardless. Going above your normal spending limits will defeat the purpose of collecting points to save money on your next trip.
6. Get Extra Cash-Back Using Cash-Back Portals
For extra cash-back, consider booking your hotel stays through cash-back portals like Rakuten and TopCashback. These cash-back portals give you a percentage back for booking through the link on their website. After they verify your purchase, your cash-back is typically paid out either by cheque or gift card.
While not all hotel chains participate, it’s worth checking these websites to maximize your savings. For an added bonus, book using a hotel or travel credit card on top of using a cash-back portal to “double dip" on your reward earnings.
7. Explore Alternative Accommodation Options
If you’ve done everything you could and still find that hotel bookings are too expensive, you might want to explore alternative accommodation options. Here are a few options to consider:
- Budget hotels or motels.
- Vacation rentals like Airbnb or Vrbo.
- Guesthouses.
- Hostels.
- House-sitting and home exchanges.
Although these options might not be as comfortable or luxurious as a hotel stay, they can be ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Final Thoughts: How to Save Money on Hotels
With a little planning and resourcefulness, you can save money on your hotel stay and leave room in your budget for creating unforgettable memories instead. By implementing these tips, you can take the first step toward planning your dream vacation without breaking the bank. So, pack your bags because the world awaits, and now that you’re equipped to save money on hotels, you’re ready to explore it on your own terms.
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