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,
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.
Stick to a Brand
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.
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.
Room Shopping
It's highly likely that when booking a hotel stay, you're probably getting one of the least desirable rooms. Managers and hotel owners tend to want to get rid of these ones first. To prevent this, inspect the room beforehand — you are completely in your right to find your perfect room. You may as well get your money's worth.
This way you can get the best room your money can get instead of the ugly and sunless room the hotel was trying to give you.