The leisure travelling life is a life well-lived – bask in new cultures, get lost in breath-taking landscapes, or dive headfirst into gastronomical adventures. As fellow wanderlusters and savvy travellers, you know the thrill. Equally, you also know that every trip requires careful planning and smart strategies. Fear not, fellow globetrotter, because this blog is your journey towards the Eldorado of travel hacks. Today we’ll talk about making the most out of your hotel stays. So grab your favourite mug of tea, sit back, and enjoy the blogonaut’s guide to hotel hacking.
I spy with my little eye…discounts!
Discounts are the holy grail of travelling. There’s nothing better than finding a beautiful hotel room at costs that do not break the bank. Many travellers recommend using popular online travel agencies for their quick, discounted bookings. But, my dear friends, I say, “Never underestimate the power of direct booking.” With direct booking, you can often negotiate for better rates, complimentary upgrades, and additional services. Also, signing up for hotel loyalty programs offers immense benefits, like free stays, exclusive discounts, and priority check-ins. Just remember, the key to a bargain is to be charming and polite.
Making the most of location, location, location
When choosing your hotel, always be mindful of its location. In most cases, a centrally located hotel provides more convenience and reduces transportation costs. However, consider less central locations when they offer a unique regional experience that embodies local culture and scenery. Always assess overall cost and convenience. For example, calculate the transportation cost versus difference in hotel rates before deciding. Do some detective work by using Google Street View to locate the nearest restaurants, cafes and public transportation stops. And, always read online reviews for local insights!
Traveling during off-peak seasons
Embrace travelling during off-peaks, my calculative connoisseurs. Reduced crowds and lowered hotel rates are benefits hard to resist. Of course, you’ll have to balance this against weather conditions, seasonal festivities and local events. But isn’t that part of the thrill of travelling?
Avoiding hidden charges
Hotels can sometimes be sneaky with additional fees not included in your booking price. Always clarify if your booking includes charges for Wi-Fi, parking, resort fees, and local taxes. An email following your booking to confirm what’s included is a safer route than many phone calls after surprise charges.
Requesting a room change
This is one rarely tapped into hotel hack – don’t be shy about requesting a room change if you’re not satisfied with your first placement. And always make sure you check your room before you settle in. While hotels aim to provide the best experiences to all guests, differences in room view, size, noise level and cleanliness can be substantial.
IRL Reviews – talk to fellow travelers
Make friends with fellow travellers. No one knows better about a place than someone who has just been there. Often, reviews on online platforms could be biased or too generic. Fellow travellers can provide you with the freshest, most personalized tips on where to eat, where to stay, where to visit, and most importantly, where to avoid. So get socializing!
I hope you found these tips as appetizing as a breakfast in bed. Remember, hotel stays can make or break your trip. But with the right approach, you can unlock the treasure troves of comfortable lodging at affordable prices. Bon voyage, fellow globetrotters!