Most people will travel for business or pleasure at least once this year. And when they do, they’ll look for value.
These five secrets will help you make the most of your next vacation. They are from Rajiv Bhattia, travel expert and long-time hotelier, who is also the head of Knights Inn roadside hotel chain.
1. Book Your Hotel Direct. Shopping around is always a smart idea. There are new websites popping up daily to help travelers do this. This is great for looking at different options, but once you have made your decision, book directly with that hotel or brand. Most often, you will be offered a lower rate as well as a guarantee of the best rate.
2. Car Rental Insurance: Pass it on. Instead of paying a fee for the car rental company’s insurance, review your own policy. You might not know that your plan may include a travel clause, which could save you as much $30 per day. You can save even more by not worrying about the car size you reserve. Instead, choose the smallest available size. The smallest cars are often overbooked and sell quickly, which can lead to a free upgrade.
3. Don’t pay for what’s free. Spend your money on having fun and not on expensive breakfasts or hotel Internet fees. Stay with hotels that offer these amenities for no extra cost.
4. Slow down on the highway. It’s better to enjoy the journey than to rush. Driving more than 60 mph per hour can cost you money and gas. A car that drives more than 5 miles per hour can lose up to 23 percent of its fuel efficiency.
5. Brand loyalty rewards. Hotels offer loyalty programs that allow travelers to earn points for their stay. These points can be used for gift cards, nights free, and other benefits. It’s unlikely that you’ll earn enough points to redeem rewards for staying with other brands. You will see your point balance increase if you stick with just one brand or an affiliate. Do you like having options when you travel? Wyndham Rewards is the most popular hotel loyalty program, featuring 14 brands and more than 7,000 hotels.
