Traveling and hotels are often a major part of a vacation. Whether you’re planning an all-inclusive resort on the beach, an affordable mini trip in the mountains or a family vacation at one of the country’s best theme parks, finding a hotel that fits your budget is essential.
Finding a good deal on accommodations isn’t just about finding the cheapest room at a hotel — it’s also about knowing when to book and negotiating the best price. The best time to book a hotel is when demand is lower than usual, such as during off-season or during events like holiday seasons or sporting tournaments.
Find deals on bundled hotel and flight packages
If you’re planning on traveling for a week or more, it’s worth looking for a bundled deal. This can save you money by combining the cost of your flight and hotel into a single payment, says Chris Woodley, editor-in-chief at Hopper. However, he warns that this option may not be your best bet if you prefer to stay in non-traditional lodging options like B&Bs and smaller boutique hotels.
Check out your credit card rewards and points to help you pay for some or all of your travel expenses. Credit cards with specific airline or hotel loyalty programs can be the best way to collect points and transfer them to airlines or hotels.
Get in touch with your favorite travel aggregators, which can be a great resource for comparing prices and discounts on flights and hotels. These sites aggregate the results of several travel websites to create a search that lets you compare deals from different sources.