There are many ways in which you can obtain great deals on travel accommodations. You may have seen TV ads promoting ridiculously low hotel, rental car and airfare prices. One company allows you to bid for up to fifty percent or more off the normal rates. (If you're a sci-fi fan, it's likely that you recognize the spokesman who's featured in many of these ads.) The travel companies that offer these low rates can be found online.
In fact, you can find almost anything online nowadays. But, another method of finding low travel rates has never really gone out of style, and it's to talk directly to a live travel agent. Specifically, ask him or her about group fares. Travel agents that run group tours acquire flight seats and hotel rooms in blocks. That is, they may be given twenty-five rooms or more that they have to sell as part of the package deal they're offering. Thus, if they fall short of booking the required number of airline seats and hotel rooms, you can easily buy into the entire package or book just the hotel room itself. However, with fuel prices soaring and overall travel down, most hotel chains are competing directly for your business. They may offer reduced room rates on specific dates (usually off-peak season) or if you book well in advance of your stay, and provide special packages for families.
As previously noted, there are a myriad of travel companies online who offer discounted rates at hotels. In fact, you may see several hotel chains offer great values during this holiday season, particularly abroad. The best way to determine who's offering the best deal is to research all the online companies in addition to checking with your travel agent.
You can almost guarantee a great price on any hotel package or airfare by making your reservation very early, at least a month or so before your trip. For example, if you'll be traveling for the holidays in December, book your accommodations in September or October. In this way, you'll be locked into a low price. Additionally, while there may be some restrictions, look for off-peak deals at most major hotels. This may entail a mid-week stay. If you're looking for a weekend getaway, consider booking your hotel on a Thursday with a Monday return. Because hotels are feeling the pinch during this recession just like the rest of us, call them directly and find out what types of packages they're currently offering. They may be willing to present you with a deal that precisely fits your time frame and budget.
Finally, if you really want to save on hotel expenses, choose bed-and-breakfast lodges, smaller hotels or inns. Remember, they're competing for your business as well. For example, a two-bedroom suite at an East Hampton Inn during off-peak seasons (January to May and October to December) can be gotten for less than $100 per night. Peak-season rates typically run close to $300 a night for the very same room. Quite a difference, wouldn't you say?
