Everyone is trying to save a few dollars here or there these days – a poor economy is a recipe for cancelled plans, shortened stays and downgraded rooms. It’s also a recipe for sales and rare deals on fancy accommodations. If you are looking to travel and aren’t completely strapped for cash, there are a lot of options for you to save on your holiday accommodation. Here are some tips to keep your pockets lined with spending money.
- Consider a package. This is not always the way to go, but many travel sites and hotels are teaming up with flights to create a deluxe package at skimpy prices. If you are not so picky about your holiday accommodation, it can be very easy to find great deals. Some of the packages these days are pairing a flight with luxury hotels or lodgings for a really lux stay at bargain prices.
- Ignore the so-called “bonuses.” It might seem great that your holiday accommodation of choice includes a free meal or evening drinks, but that might not add up. Think about how much money you would actually save if you spent your money on breakfast at a local café or even if you brought breakfast food to eat in the morning. Consider if you really need a pool, or if you will be just as satisfied with the public beach. A bare-bones hotel can be just as wonderful as anything fancy, especially if you are saving tons of money in the process.
- Try to find deals on lodging through organizations you are a member of. There are so many organizations that offer deals, from a workplace, a union, an alumni association or even veterans groups. Talk to the hotel and ask them for all of the groups that they work with. Chances are you are a member of one of those groups.
- Look for coupons on line. Many of the companies that used to put out paper coupons are doing the same on line. This time, they are easier to find. A quick search can turn up several different sorts of discounts, from free nights after a certain number of booked nights to discounts for kids. If you see a deal from another competing hotel or lodging, call the one you prefer and see if they can match.
In this economy, it pays to do a bit of homework and to talk to the lodgings you want to stay in. Many groups are ready to make a deal in order to get more business.