Tips for booking travel to save unexpectedly

Contact us directly for the best price

Booking websites are really useful for traveling, however, because they are a third party - an intermediary between the renter and the hotel, the price displayed on the website includes commissions, service fees... Therefore, after choosing a hotel that you feel is suitable for you through the booking website, if you want to save more, use Google to search for hotel information, call directly (for domestic hotels) or email (for foreign hotels) to ask for the best price, or negotiate based on the price you see on the website minus 10 - 15% (the average service fee that hotels pay to the booking website).

After choosing a hotel that you feel is suitable for you through a booking website, use Google to search for hotel information, call directly or email to ask for the best price. Photo: Internet

A small note, this method can only be applied to hotels and resorts; not to Airbnb accommodation services. The reason is that Airbnb has very heavy penalties for hosts who exchange contact information with guests before completing a transaction on Airbnb, or request payment outside - not through Airbnb.

The service fee that Airbnb collects from both sides is a guarantee for any problems that the host or the renter may encounter. When you have a problem with the apartment you booked through Airbnb, such as the accommodation is not as shown in the picture, does not have enough amenities as advertised..., you have the right to ask Airbnb to resolve or compensate.

Low season, weekdays and weekends

If you are visiting during the off-season, do not hesitate to bargain. Room rates are high or low depending on the season. During the off-season, you can boldly propose your desired price and may receive surprisingly quick approval. Each destination has different peak or off-season, so you need to find out information before booking.

If you are looking for a place to stay on the weekend, look for a hotel that caters mainly to business travelers. Conversely, if you are looking for a place to stay on the weekdays, look for a resort; room rates at these places are often discounted to the lowest level on weekdays.

Hunting for promotions and vouchers

Sign up for membership on booking sites and tick the “I agree to receive promotional information” box. First, the sites always have special offers for members who sign up for the newsletter. Second, before a promotion is launched or a major holiday of the year, you will always be notified of the best prices.

If you use a credit card, check regularly for offers. Many of them will give you great deals on room rates.

Registering for membership on travel and resort websites will give you the opportunity to receive promotional vouchers. Photo: Internet

Register for membership on travel and resort websites, e-commerce sites; click the follow button on voucher hunting sites on social networks; join VIP membership of major hotels... you will receive incentives or opportunities to book rooms at prices up to half off - even more, or complimentary services such as airport pick-up, massage vouchers, dinner vouchers at restaurants, drink vouchers at the bar...

In addition, as a hotel loyalty member, you can easily get free room upgrades, extra nights...

Or simply when you need to go somewhere, try to find someone who has a voucher they want to transfer on Facebook, forums...

Either very early, or very late, book flights and accommodation

Booking 60 days or more in advance can give you a chance to get early bird deals, while booking last minute (same day as check-in) can also give you the best deals while rooms are still available – a matter of luck, of course.

Many flight or hotel search websites offer packages that include both flights and accommodations. If you are looking to save money, this is an option to consider.

How many social media followers do you have?

If you have a large social media following or are an active TripAdvisor user, try sharing that with the front desk. They may be able to offer you a free service or make your trip more enjoyable with their recommendations.