One thing you can learn from our tips, you’ll start to see that traveling perks are in large part due to customer loyalty and status. An easy way of racking up points for low cost is to pick the cheapest hotel out of a specific hotel chain, for example, Park Hyatt vs. Hyatt House or Hyatt Place, or one of the Hiltons and stick to that.
These places don’t cost you an arm and a leg and offer loyalty programs, and since these systems are based on the number of nights and not dollars spent, getting a high status is pretty easy. Before you know it, you could be enjoying a complimentary dinner in an upgraded room at your favorite hotel.
Get an AAA Membership
You would be surprised at the number of benefits you can get with an AAA membership. According to travel maestro, New York Times best-selling author and founder of the Travel Hacking Cartel, Chris Guillebeau, an AAA membership can go a long way.
Travelers can save an average of 5% - 10% at numerous hotels. Even on the occasions that you don't save money, cancellations can be done until the day of arrival. This kind of flexibility can serve you in the long run.
Take Advantage of Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
If ever offered hotel credit cards, don't be put off by the steep sign-up prices. According to Matt Kepnes aka Nomadic Matt, the author of "How to Travel the World on $50 USD Per Day", this little trick can actually pay off. Even if signing up has a cost attached to it.
These accumulated sign-up bonuses can actually get you a week's worth of free accommodation. Yup, these little hotel credit perks can really take you from your average Joe traveler to a savvy jet-setter.
Groupon Last-Minute Deals
Not everyone is as flexible when it comes to traveling. For many, it's super important to play it safe, but if you're not such a stickler for planning (and you have nerves of steel), Groupon is your secret weapon against rookie traveling money traps. The investment banker turned full-time traveler and writer Kriston Addis swears by the Groupon method to find great deals.
You can pick up a room in Las Vegas for way less, but of course, flexibility is the name of the game,
Review Away
Running out of cost-cutting ideas? Exhausted every possible travel hack? Fear not. For this one, all you need is 5 minutes and a laptop. Yes, all you need to do is to write a review. By simply asking hotel management if they happen to be on Trip Advisor, you are pretty much guaranteed to get a cool upgrade or at least a free breakfast.
Sabrina Iovino of JustOneWayTicket.com says this has been her saving grace when traveling and can really turn around her stay. Be sure to stick to your word though, remember, loyalty pays.