You’re planning a family vacation, and you’ve found the perfect hotel. The price is decent, but you can’t shake the feeling you could do better. How do you get that 30% off deal you’ve heard about? Let’s walk through realistic ways to save big on your next stay, depending on your travel style and needs. If you only have time for one tip, jump to the section that fits your trip best. Let's get started!
Book directly through the hotel website
You prefer booking directly with the hotel for perks like loyalty points and better customer service. You know hotels sometimes offer exclusive deals on their own sites.
What to do:
- Sign up for the hotel’s newsletter to get promo codes sent to your inbox.
- Check the hotel’s website for last-minute deals or seasonal discounts.
- Call the hotel directly to ask about any unpublished discounts.
What to skip:
- Ignore third-party booking sites for this trip.
- Don’t assume the price on the hotel’s website is the final price.
Use a travel booking site
You’re always looking for the best deal, and you trust travel booking sites to find it for you. You know they sometimes offer exclusive discounts.
What to do:
- Use sites like Booking.com or Expedia to compare prices across different hotels.
- Look for “secret deals” or “mystery discounts” on these sites.
- Check for coupons or promo codes before booking.
What to skip:
- Don’t book without checking the hotel’s website first.
- Avoid booking too far in advance, as prices can drop.
Travel during the off-season
You’re flexible with your travel dates and prefer to avoid crowds. You know traveling during the off-season can save you money.
What to do:
- Research the off-season for your destination and plan your trip accordingly.
- Look for last-minute deals during the off-season.
- Consider traveling on weekdays for lower prices.
What to skip:
- Don’t expect luxury amenities during the off-season.
- Avoid booking during peak travel times, like holidays.
Use a rewards credit card
You have a rewards credit card and want to maximize your savings. You know using the right card can earn you points or cash back.
What to do:
- Use a credit card that offers travel rewards or cash back on hotel bookings.
- Pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
- Use your points or cash back to cover additional travel expenses.
What to skip:
- Don’t use a credit card with foreign transaction fees for international travel.
- Avoid carrying a balance on your credit card.
If your situation is in between
You’re not sure which approach to take, or your situation doesn’t fit neatly into one category. You want a mix of strategies to maximize your savings.
What to do:
- Combine strategies, like booking directly through the hotel website and using a rewards credit card.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and consider traveling during the off-season.
- Use travel booking sites to compare prices and find the best deal.
What to skip:
- Don’t rely on just one strategy for savings.
- Avoid booking without doing your research.
Travel deals and discounts can vary widely based on your specific situation. If you’re still unsure, start with the strategy that fits your travel style best.
For more tips on saving money while traveling, check out trusted resources like peptideScore for travel-related products and eqno for comparing prices on travel essentials.