To ensure that your next vacation goes off without a hitch, there are quite a few things you have to keep in mind. It is crucial that you know the location of your destination. In addition, you must figure out your means of transportation. You also have to consider where you’ll be staying while you are on vacation. Read these tips to help you get this right and maybe even save you some money.
Be sure to read online review websites prior to booking a hotel. Online review websites will allow you to see previous guests’ experiences at the hotels you are considering. Other customers can give you some valuable insight and help you choose the right place to stay.
Compare prices at websites like Orbitz and Expedia to ensure that you receive the best available rate. If you are a member of a particular hotel’s loyalty program, remember to include that information when you are checking on rates. If you have a membership in any other organization, put that down as well.
Online travel sites like Expedia or Orbitz can help you get the best price for rooms at the hotel you would like to stay at. If you belong to a hotel’s loyalty program, be sure to input that information when checking rates. You may also be eligible for deals that are offered to members of certain organizations, like AAA or AARP.
Check in on the organizations you belong to. Some may offer discounts on hotels. It is easy to forget about the discounts. This can help you to save some cash, especially if you’re going to be staying for a few nights. It can add up to equal a free night!
What groups are you a member of? Some may offer discounts on hotels. It is easy to forget about the discounts. This can help you to save some cash, especially if you’re going to be staying for a few nights. This adds up to a night’s stay that is almost free.
Prior to booking your hotel room, search the Internet for deals. Usually, when you try to book a room over the phone, the clerk will not let you know that there is a better deal online. You have to look for the discounts. Look to websites like RueLaLaTravel or Jetsetter for more help.
There are a number of things to consider when deciding which hotel to stay at. Of course price is a big deal, but a hotel close to where you are head is a big consideration. Things like free breakfast can make a big difference for some families. So decide on the amenities that mean the most to you and start looking.
Be sure to look at your room before unpacking your suitcase. Is the room clean? Do a quick check to ensure that the shower, sink and toilet are all in proper working order. Count how many linens and towels you were given and make sure there are enough for everyone traveling with you. If there are any obvious problems, report them to the front desk immediately so that they can be taken care of or you can be moved to a different room.
Make use of online tools to find a hotel. These websites can help you quickly find the best value. They also can show you the average hotel rates, letting you see whether the deal is good or bad. The websites can also help you decide the best time to take a trip and where you can eat, shop or sight-see.
If you are traveling with a pet, it is best to find a pet friendly hotel ahead of time. Always call to ask, even if it says pet-friendly online. In addition, get specifics with regard to the pet policy, because only particular breeds or sizes of pets may be permitted at the hotel.
Always check for online deals prior to booking your hotel room. You might not learn from the person on the phone that you can actually get great discounts over the Internet, instead. It is your duty to perform due diligence. RueLaLaTravel, SniqueAway and Jetsetter are all good Internet sites to check with.
If you would like to treat your partner to a massage, be sure to make the appointment far in advance. Many of the top masseuses out there are booked far ahead of time.
Be aware of when you can check into your room. Many people forget the time, then they show up early and the room isn’t ready yet. Call the hotel if you are early and find out if your room is ready.
It is wise to join a hotel loyalty program if you travel frequently. They provide rewards to those who stay with them often. You might receive an upgrade at no cost or be allowed to check out later than others with your points.
If you plan on taking a family pet with you to a hotel reservation, do three things in advance. Confirm that pets are allowed in the room you are staying. Pack a supply of plastic grocery bags with you – you will need to clean up any pet waste. You should also see if you can get a room near the end part of the hallway to make sure other guests don’t have to put up with pet noise.
Sign up for AAA if you wish to get better hotel arrangements while you travel. AAA members not only get discounts at many hotel chains, it will also make it much easier to rent a car. Many car rental agencies add perks, such as a child car seat at no charge, for AAA members.
If you belong to AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. Your membership may entitle you to hotel discounts. You can save 5%, 10% or more at quality hotels throughout the country. It’s a savings that really adds up over the nights.
Never use the hotel phone for long distance calls. Make use of the Internet, instead. The hotel may even offer Skype calls via Wi-Fi. Use this type of thing to get with people you know while you’re in your hotel room so you can save quite a bit of money.
Always remember to pack running clothes and any thing else you need for exercising while on your trip. When you wake up in the morning, throw on your gear and head out for a morning jog. Running in a city allows you to see things other travelers miss.
If you are going to inspect if your hotel room has bed bugs, then start looking in the bathroom. This is the place least likely to have bedbugs. This is why you should keep your luggage in there while you go on a search for bedbugs. It is a good place for pets or children to wait for a couple minutes as well.
If you travel often, consider signing up for a loyalty program with your favorite hotel chain. There are some great benefits offered to clients who often book the same chain. You can get a free upgrade, restaurant gift certificates or even a free stay!
Determine whether or not the hotel you are considering allows smoking or not. If you’re not a smoker, you might want to skip a smoking hotel. The smoke flows through the hotel and can stick to you. Even if a room is designated as nonsmoking, sometimes people smoke in there anyway. Too avoid exposure to the smell of cigarette smoke, it may be best to stay at a non-smoking hotel.
To keep from having an unwanted major expense on your hotel bill, ask about the cost of hotel transfers before booking them. Especially if you’re in a situation where the room’s price is a really good deal, the price of your transfer can make a big difference. Inquiring in advance will mean more savings for you.
If you smoke, be aware of the hotel policy with regard to smoking. Many hotels still offer smoking rooms. If this is what you’re looking for, inquire about these rooms. Some hotels fine guests if they find that they smoked in a designated non-smoking room. This means that you must be sure to obey the hotel’s smoking rules.
If you want to save money, and you stay at the same place a lot, consider signing up for the hotel’s version of a frequent guest program. You will build up points with that hotel for added benefits. It works a lot like frequent flier miles do for airlines.
Always review the policy of whether or not the hotel allows pets. When you are scared of animals or allergic, you won’t want to stay at pet-friendly hotels. These hotels could have weird odors because of smells getting into the linens and the floor. There may be an extra fee to have a pet stay. The fee might be too low to cover the extra cleaning costs.
Don’t make long distance calls on your hotel phone. Try using the Internet instead to stay in touch. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, but you will probably need their password and may have to pay a fee to use this service. Use these to keep up with loved ones or colleagues back home from the comfort of your hotel room instead of racking up costly phone calls from the nightstand.
Keep in mind that hotel check-ins are usually very strict; therefore, you probably won’t be able to check-in early. Unless you’re okay with waiting for your room to be ready, plan your timing wisely. Hotels use these in between hours to make sure rooms are cleaned and ready for the next occupant. You can see if your room is ready should you arrive early. However, do not count on it.
Call ahead of arrival to see if the pool is open to keep the family happy. It can prove rather frustrating when you check in to your room with the kids screaming “pool” only to find out it’s closed.
You now can see how choosing the right hotel room is not too difficult. You’re better prepared now by knowing exactly what it is you’re looking for. Go ahead with your travel plans because you will surely have a good experience. Your stories will be worth sharing when you are back home!
When you first arrive, inspect your hotel room’s bathroom. You probably won’t find any in there. That means your luggage will be safe there while you check out the other areas of the room. It’s safe for pets and kids too.