Traveling can be very expensive, so it’s important to find ways to save on costs. One of the most common ways is to book accommodation ahead of time – either through a hotel or through an independent hotel consolidator.
Hotels and hostels often offer discounts or other perks for booking in advance. These include airport transfers, discounted tickets and rooftop bars. Some even provide discounts on local tours.
Another popular option is to stay at a Bed and Breakfast, which are usually smaller residences. They are a more intimate and social experience where guests interact with their hosts, often eating together in the same space and sharing common areas.
Choosing the right type of lodging can make a huge difference to your trip. For example, if you’re traveling with family or in a large group (especially with children), a hotel is the best choice as they have optimum security and safety features, as well as kid-friendly facilities such as a pool.
There are also many travel agencies that specialize in booking accommodation for specific destinations. These can be very useful if you’re in a hurry or if you have a limited budget and need to stay in an affordable location.
It’s also important to remember that some hotels discount their rooms for last-minute bookings through specialist ‘last minute’ type consolidators, so contacting these companies directly to book can help you get better deals than those on the hotel’s website. These companies are less likely to advertise their reduced rates than the hotels themselves, so it’s always worth checking out their prices before making a decision.