Money saving tips

[Elsa42]

How does everyone save money on trips? Do people often booked hotels then cancel if they find a cheaper price? Do you get your deposits back?
I’m interested to hear your best savings when planning a trip!

[Willeve]

If I book DIY I’m constantly checking hotel prices to see if I can get a better deal! Saved hundreds over the years. Same with car hire, always check on here in case someone has seen a deal.

[landandword17]

YES! For any trip I book a cancellable hotel or two in advance and then keep checking and if the price drops I cancel and rebook. Sometimes another hotel offers a cheaper rate and I cancel and go for them. I never book with any company that requires a deposit. I book mostly directly with the hotel and occasionally with Expedia or Hotels.com.

I research flight on google flights and itamatrix. We are willing to go indirect. I also love a multi destination trip and will price up flying into to out of another US city which is often cheaper.

If I am in the market for a really nice hotel I book with an agent who is a member of the VIP programs and Virtuouso. The will give me the same rate on 4 and 5 star hotels but with breakfast included, a hotel credit and an upgrade.

[EatandPlay]

I often prefer booking everything separately because of the flexibility it provides over many packages but it does take a bit more effort. Sometimes booking direct with a hotel can result in better rooms or a more affable front desk with late checkout requests, but, hotels.com tends to offer competitive rates (set up a member account first!) and a great point system that accumulates as one free night for every 10 nights booked.