Planning a trip and dreading the cost of accommodations? We’ve all been there! Hotels and lodging can take a big bite out of your travel budget, sometimes even exceeding the price of your flight. But fear not, savvy travelers! There are clever strategies to secure lower rates and make your hotel stay more affordable.
Timing is Everything: When to Book and Check In
Think of hotel booking like a dance – there’s a specific rhythm to getting the best deals! The day of the week you book and check in can have a significant impact on the price you pay. According to travel experts like Kayak and Tripadvisor, booking on certain days can save you money.
For domestic travel, Saturday is often the cheapest day to book a hotel room. International travel? Friday is your lucky day for finding the best deals. Tuesday, on the other hand, is usually the priciest day to book domestically, while Sunday is the most expensive for international bookings. The trend seems to be that prices drop as the week progresses towards the weekend. While various travel websites provide slightly different recommendations, the general consensus is to use this information as a starting point and compare prices across different platforms. Don’t be afraid to set price alerts!
Check-in day also plays a role. Traditionally, Sunday was the cheapest day to check in, as travelers returning from weekend getaways checked out, and business travelers were just starting their week. However, recent reports show Tuesday now holds the title of the most affordable check-in day for both domestic and international travel. If you’re traveling domestically and planning to arrive on a Friday or Saturday and depart on a Sunday, be prepared to pay a premium. Thursday and Friday are the most expensive check-in days for international travel. So, if you have the flexibility, avoiding those busy days can save you money.
Booking in Advance: Early Bird or Late Bloomer?
The question of how far in advance to book a hotel is a bit more complex. For leisure destinations like Las Vegas or Miami, booking at least three months ahead of time can save you 50% or more. But for city stays, booking closer to your travel dates is often more advantageous. Cities have more hotel competition, so prices tend to drop as travel dates approach. Booking within three weeks of your trip could save you up to 30% on your stay.
Feeling adventurous? Last-minute bookings (one to four days before check-in) can also be a great way to score incredible deals on hotels. Many hotels will offer discounted rates on booking websites to fill empty rooms. Remember, hotels often have a 24- to 48-hour cancellation policy and many people cancel their reservations right before the deadline to avoid penalties. This creates opportunities for last-minute deals!
However, waiting until the last minute comes with some risk. Room availability and choices may be limited. If you’re willing to take a gamble, websites like HotelTonight are perfect for finding last-minute deals. If you prefer more control, consider choosing a few hotels within your budget a couple of months before your trip and tracking their prices over a few weeks. Booking websites like Trivago are great for this. Just remember that booking international travel more than two or three months in advance might cost you more.
Traveling Off-Season: Beat the Crowds and Save Money
Want to maximize your savings? Consider traveling during the off-season! Avoid popular tourist destinations during peak seasons, like summer in Europe or winter in the Caribbean. You’ll likely find better deals and experience fewer crowds. Major holidays and events, like Christmas in Hawaii or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, also tend to drive up prices.
In a nutshell, securing the best hotel deals boils down to some simple strategies:
- Book on a favorable day of the week (try Tuesday or the weekend).
- Consider last-minute bookings for potential savings (but make a backup reservation with a flexible cancellation policy just in case).
- Travel during the off-season to avoid peak prices.
- Avoid checking in on Friday.
By following these tips, you can save money on your hotel stay and enjoy a more budget-friendly trip.
