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Travel Hacks: Ways to Save on Hotel Stays
Hotel stays can take a big bite out of your vacation budget, but there are ways to cut back! Here are nine ways to save on hotel stays.
- Book directly with the hotel
Many hotels offer discounts or perks for booking directly with them instead of through a travel site. These perks can include free breakfast, room upgrades and late checkout.
- Use hotel loyalty programs
Many hotel chains offer loyalty programs for you to earn points with each stay. Signing up for a loyalty program is often free, and it can be a great way to save money on future stays.
- Check for hotel deals
Before you book a hotel, look for deals and discounts. Many hotels offer discounts for military personnel, seniors and AAA members. You can also find hotel deals on third-party websites like Expedia, Priceline and Hotwire.
- Ask for a room upgrade
It never hurts to ask for an upgrade! When you check in, politely ask the front desk if there are any upgrades available. If there are, they may offer it to you at no extra cost.
- Be flexible with your travel dates
When demand is down, rates go down. If you haven’t yet set the date(s) for your vacation, consider traveling during off-peak times to save big on your hotel stay.
- Bring your own amenities
To save money and make your hotel stay more comfortable, consider bringing your own amenities. This can include all toiletries, snacks and even a pillow when there is extra cost for such items.
- Book early
Last-minute stays are nearly always more expensive than advance bookings. As soon as you have your dates planned, look for deals at hotels at your destination, so you can book your stay as early as possible.
- Use all free amenities
To make the most of your stay, be sure to take advantage of all free amenities offered, like breakfast, a fitness center and pool. This way, you’ll save money on costs outside the hotel.
- Check for hidden fees
Before you book a hotel, check for hidden fees and charges. These pesky and sneaky fees can include resort fees, parking fees and internet fees, and can add up quickly.
Follow these tips for the dream vacation that’s easy on the wallet.
