 | Loyalty Pays. We Show You How. |
| Loyalty Pays. We Show You How. |
Photo: Adobe Stock
by Judy Mottl |
Once upon a time, travel was either business or holiday related. Today travel is ubiquitous with consumers traveling more than ever.
As of a year ago, more than one-in-five Americans planned on vacationing in a foreign country in the near future, the highest share ever recorded. And the trend has not waned much at all a year later.
In fact the travel industry in the U.S. is booming. As of July 2023, the market size stood at $798.81 billion. Most Americans travel for leisure. FIfty-one percent are looking to rest and relax while they travel, and 49% are looking to escape the routine, according to TravelPerk.
And most Americans, whether traveling for rest or escape or a business trip, are always eager to take advantage of tips and insight on saving when it comes to hotel stays.
So whether you're a student enjoying a year off before university, a couple looking for the honeymoon spot or a family seeking cost-effective travel given the brood, here are nine hotel hacks that can save you some big bucks.
Before you even start comparing room prices at various hotels take a few minutes and settle in to do some loyalty program sign ups. Hilton and IHG are just two of dozens and dozens of resorts and hotel chains that offer free loyalty programs.
It's worthwhile to sign up ahead of time given discounts and freebies the loyalty programs offer. There are first-time stay offers as well so do some homework and map out what chains and hotel brands offer what even before you start looking at prices and hotel accommodations.
The hotel rewards programs are typically tied to an app which makes it easy when it comes to comparing prices further than the travel to-do list, so gets the apps and get the signups all set up as it will pay off big for every trip you take going forward.
Keep checking RewardsThatMatter.com for travel rewards news — Wyndham Rewards just launched the Ultimate Hotel Pass. The pass, which goes on sale on July 8, unlocks 30 nights of hotel stays for $499 plus tax and is good through the end of Sept. 2024. Registration ends July 4.
The list of pre-travel research should also include any airline travel that may be part of the trip.
Airlines, such as Southwest, also offer free loyalty programs and often times the loyalty programs are tied to hotel trip discounts so it's worthwhile to include airline loyalty program signups before even booking the flight. You may also want to look into the airline credit card offers as they can offer hotel discounts as well as rewards tied to travel.
If you're traveling to attend a memorial service or funeral for a family member both airlines and hotel brands typically offer what is called bereavement programs. These are discount options for both airline travel and hotel stay for those traveling due to a death in the family.
For example both Hampton Inn and the Marriot Bonvoy offer a special rate. It can often be located on the hotels' online sites in the hotels' apps.
The Costco travel program offers discounts and big savings just as the wholesaler does on goods.
Yes you need to signup as a Costco member but that $60 fee may be a great small investment if it ends up saving you hundreds, or even thousands, when it comes to traveling.
The program is also very lenient in terms of cancellation and offers more time to cancel with a full refund than other travel options. If you're needing a vehicle during a trip, the Costco travel rewards plan does include a rental car as part of the price of a trip in some instances.
Many big tourist destinations and cities will often have an online site for visitors to learn about discounts and programs so a few quick Google searches can pay off. For example, a recent Google search for traveling to Las Vegas revealed a free casino game app, in which players earn room freebies and discounts after a certain amount of free-to-play time on the game. There are also destination rewards apps out there. Again, in Vegas, there are casino apps such as myVegas Rewards which is the official mobile and Facebook game of MGM Rewards. While you may not be visiting every casino in Vegas it's definitely worth the few minutes to download casino apps given most casinos are also hotels so there are typically casino and food discounts for hotel guests as well as hotel discounts for game players using the apps.
A wide range of retailers and consumer organizations, from Walmart to car club AAA and senior citizen advocacy group AARP all offer travel programs boasting discounts opportunities. Again, it's well worth the time to download the apps as well as take time to research the websites regarding travel tips and discount programs. Do your research and see if you can use credit card points to knock down the price down or upgrade to a better room. AAA members have exclusive access to discounts and perks like free breakfast and hundreds of hotels nationwide.
If you're at the point you know which hotels to consider take the time to once again do some research as it can pay off big time.
One reason? Most hotels offer price matching. So if you like a Hilton property but it's more costly than the Marriot for the same room configuration then take advantage of the price match guarantees that Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt offer. You can get that room near the pool and save money at the same time.
Also some price match guarantees not only will match the price but can dangle an extra discount — sometimes as much as 25%.
Just because the flight went great and you've landed at the hotel destination of your choice that doesn't mean the opportunity to save money is no longer available.
When you check in ask about discounts that may be available as well as upgrades to a bigger or better room. Also inquire about any free services such as a free breakfast or gym membership while during your stay. Maybe there's a free initial spa visit to use.
If the trip is a big life event — wedding or honeymoon or birthday there may be some freebies and discounts relating to the occasion.
So you're all checked in and loving your room or suite but then something happens — the water faucet leaks or the hot water is cool or the TV isn't working.
When calling to get whatever you need fixed make sure to take advantage of the inconvenience by asking the front desk or management about potential discount or savings given the repair inconvenience — maybe you'll get that TV cable package for free or a free room service meal. It's worth the 30 seconds to inquire.
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