By Baptist Johnson
Stay at a discount hotel on your next beach vaction.
Lodging can be one of the most expensive costs associated with taking a vacation. Fortunately for you, it doesn't have to be. There are several ways to get discounts and deals on hotels while taking a vacation. By following these tips, you save a bunch of money while you are planning your perfect getaway.
Travel Agencies
Booking through a travel agency is one of the best ways to save money and find discounted prices. Online travel agencies, such as Expedia.com and Travelocity.com, allow you to look up and plan the details of your trip from the convenience of your home. Cheaptickets.com is just one of several online travel agencies where you search for air, hotel, car rental and train fares in a matter of minutes. You can also book reservations, look up weather conditions and search for hotel amenities.
Corporate Accounts
Some companies offer discount travel prices for employees and their friends and family members through corporate accounts. These are usually in the form of exclusive pricing deals with travel agencies or hotels. Ask your employer about any kind of travel corporate accounts. It might also help to contact the hotel options of your choice and ask them if they offer corporate discount prices.
Online Deal Forums
Online deal forums are usually good places to go to look for ongoing or upcoming coupons or discount prices. These travel sites are usually managed and operated by frequent travelers who post their knowledge of travel deals for other travelers to take advantage of. Sites such as Slickdeals.net and Tripadvisor.com offer recommendations that may include coupon codes, last minute deals and websites that offer discount hotel prices.
Specialty Pricing
Many hotels feature specialty pricing for certain customers. Call the hotel options of your choice and ask if they have special prices for students, military or federal government employees. Members of volunteer and not-for-profit organizations may also qualify for discounted rates. Sites such as Statravel.com and Militarytravel.com offer students and federal government employees discounted travel prices. Do your homework and ask around.
Bundle Packages
Another way to get discounts on hotel rates is to take advantage of bundle packages. These packages usually require you to bundle several services together, such as air fare, car rental and lodging. Hotels may even offer bundle packages which include access to local entertainment attractions for you and your family.
About the Author:
Baptist Johnson was first published in 2000 when a poem he wrote won first prize in a local writing contest. He also writes and edits for Etched Press Society, a micro-publishing company based in Wilmington, N.C. Johnson has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from East Carolina University.
Photo Credits:
vacation image by Aleksander from
Fotolia.com
