Traveling can be an expensive endeavor, especially for those without access to generous corporate travel budgets. Between airfares, hotel accommodation, meals, activities, and car rental (if necessary), a trip can easily exceed thousands of dollars. However, there are ways to cut costs without compromising on comfort or safety. Here are some tips to help you save on your next vacation:
1. Determine what’s important to you in a hotel
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a trip and book your accommodations quickly. Then when you arrive and discover your hotel is less than ideal, it can derail your entire trip. It’s important to consider what’s most important to you when choosing a hotel. For example, do you need a pool, or would you prefer a free breakfast? You may find that you are more willing to splurge on a room that provides the amenities that you enjoy most.
2. Do a price comparison
When looking for hotels, it’s crucial to compare prices on multiple websites. This is because booking sites and individual hotel websites offer different prices, packages, and policies. Also, don’t forget to factor in taxes and fees. Lastly, check out travel plug-ins like Ebates and Honey to see if they have any discounts that can be applied to your hotel or airline reservation.
Many hotel and flight loyalty programs offer deals throughout the year that can reduce your cost. You can also sign up for their emails to learn about new offers and promotions that you might be eligible for.