14 April,2011 07:20 AM IST | | Melissa D'Costa
6 point plan
While planning a holiday, booking your hotel sometimes gets least preference, often resulting in your budgets going out of control. THE TRIP comes to the rescue with these handy tips to get you the best hotel deal.
>> Travel in groups: The best way to save on hotel accommodation is to travel in groups. This way, you can split the bill and save a lot.
>> Deals and offers: When booking in advance, always ask about special deals or offers you can avail of.
>> Use a credit card: Wherever possible, use your credit card as a mode of payment as the booking will be made immediately, and you will have a written transaction to prove that the payment has been made. If you are booking online, keep a copy of your online booking or a record of the reservation made over the phone. Note the confirmation number, the name of the person you spoke to, the date and time of your call, and the particulars of your reservation, such as the price, and carryu00a0 this with you.
>> Enquire about cancellations: There is always a possibility that your trip may be cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances. In such cases, it would help if you know the cancellation policy beforehand. Find out about penalties applicable, and how you can cancel at minimal cost.
>> Vacation rentals v/s hotels or motels: If you like your privacy and want to save cash, it best to look at vacation rentals for accommodation during the period of your stay. It's economical and most of the time you get a chance to stay in cosy cottages, which adds to the charm.
>> Avoid peak time: If possible, avoid planning a holiday during peak season, as prices go up and you end up paying a fortune for a short period of time. To get the best deals it's best to plan ahead and use your holidays to your advantage.
