Are you looking to save money on travel and hotel booking deals? Learn how to strategically make last-minute bookings of hotels and flights with the best deals.
There are some caveats, but yes, last-minute booking saves you money.
Hotels usually don’t want their inventories empty and they often reduce the fares for the last-minute bookings. It’s like a steal deal for people who plan their trips spontaneously.
So, What’s a Last-minute booking?
Well, in last-minute bookings, travellers can benefit from the lower prices in all sorts of travel bookings such as flights, hotels, cabs etc.
It’s a win-win situation for hotels and airlines to occupy their property and empty seats respectively.
Mostly, business travel is planned at the last minute which the travel industry leverages as an opportunity to lower their prices and maintain their sales targets.
Here are 9 Tips to Save Money on Travel and Hotel Booking Deals
1. Leverage comparison websites and apps
There are many websites and apps available online on which you can compare the booking prices of hotels. You can leverage those websites and opt for hotels according to your budget.
This is one of the best ways to save money on travel bookings. Apart from hotels, you can also use these tips for flights, trains, buses and cabs.
2. Optimise mobile bookings
Mobile is a convenient way to plan and book your travels. Using your mobile you can search hotels by filtering the city, area or hotel as per your preferences.
Checking for email subscriptions, messages and WhatsApp is more convenient which leads to much faster access for last-minute bookings.
It is the best way for a captive audience looking to take a break from their mundane routine and grab the deals before it ends.
3. Utilise coupon websites or apps
Lock in your hotel bookings using promo codes is a clever way to save big on hotel bookings. You will find free coupons on the coupon platforms.
That extra minute of searching coupons on the web can benefit you to take advantage of saving money on your travel bookings.
Next time when you’re booking hotels and akin services, try coupon codes.
4. Book tickets using travel credit card rewards
Travel credit cards are another best option for last-minute hotel bookings at affordable prices. The banks that provide travel credit cards often have partnerships with hotel chains, which allows you to earn credit points and rewards on bookings.
5. Engaging with hotels directly
On the surface, when you engage with hotels directly at the last minute, they offer you the best offers possible due to the risk of competitive prices. Hotels accept reservations when they observe the availability and occupancy gaps. This practice is helpful in the off-season, as it is the best time to book last-minute hotels.
6. Subscribe for price alert tools
Travel booking websites enable subscription services for their users so that they can’t miss out on their travel deals.
By subscribing, you will get notified of the latest and best deals that booking platforms like Booking.com, TripAdvisor, MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip are providing so that you can benefit the best.
You can also leverage free services like Google Hotel to get price alerts.
A bonus: How to Choose the right hotel for your needs
7. Prioritise your needs
Even if you’re booking your hotel at the last minute, you should prioritise your needs.
For example, if you’re visiting vacation spots such as Goa or Dubai, a business trip, or any cultural fest, you will look for uncompromising amenities, breakfast options, accessibility to commute and more.
So, according to your preference, check with the hotel’s administration for your needs beforehand.
8. Research well on location and accessibility
Whether you are visiting any location for work or vacation purposes, you should research well on the locality and accessibility.
Many times it happens due to a lack of knowledge of the new place we miss out during last-minute hotel bookings.
9. Check for the ratings and reviews
Before confirming the last-minute hotel bookings, check for the ratings and reviews.
People share their honest feedback as they’ve already experienced the services from those hotels. This will help you to make intuitive decisions.
Conclusion
By following the mentioned tips, you can save big on last-minute hotel bookings and plan an affordable travelling itinerary.
You should always remember to utilize the online resources along with prioritising your needs.
I hope this blog will help you to make intuitive decisions.
Have a safe trip!
