Pro tips to get the best hotels at affordable prices

Pro tips to get the best hotels at affordable prices

Booking hotels online saves you both time and effort. As a part of your travel itinerary, you try to find cheap accommodation at the next destination. But often, despite your best efforts, the discount you tend to get is not really worth the booking. Your booking methods are not wrong, but there are simple ways to ensure that you get the best deal online.

Check out these pro tips you can try out on your next booking.

Book smartly

Hotels often give you the best prices for multiple days of stay. If you book only for one night, the room may be pricier. However, blocking the days for a longer duration can get you night and day packages cheaper than in comparison. It is also a good idea to plan your vacation so that the days coincide with your hotel booking mid-week. Room rates are cheaper during the weekdays, especially in popular tourist locations like Las Vegas or Atlantic City. People here usually book the weekend stay to gamble and go on a night out.

Check out the hotel website

Granted, it is easier to find cheap hotels on popular online websites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Trivago, among several others. But you can get a better deal by booking on the hotel website or contacting the concierge to ask for a special concession if any available. Many chain hotels offer memberships to customers who frequent the establishment with loyalty points and member discounts. Even if you don’t take the complete membership, several affordable reward point programs can save you a lot of money. Hotels have tie-ups with major banks and credit institutions that offer these rewards and cash backs for booking with their credit card.

Third-party memberships

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) members further enjoy discounts and cheap hotel bookings in partnership with the assistance programs. Note that AARP offers more than just senior benefits. Anyone can become a member and benefit from the program. AARP partners with several booking platforms and hotel chains to bring their members exclusive discounts on their next vacation. You can check these offers on the official website using the AARP Travel Center.

Pay for only the essentials

Hotel bookings may include a number of amenities that you might not use. You pay for them as part of the deal without realizing the extra cost can be avoided by simply using filters. Most booking websites employ these filters that you can use to your advantage to narrow down search results that are relevant. For example, if you won’t be spending a lot of time in the hotel premises, there is no need to pay for the gymnasium, spa, or pool facilities that may cost extra. By filtering out the unnecessary inclusions, you can get better rates for rooms at hotels that suit your travel itinerary.

Previous Read

The ultimate guide to booking cheap flight tickets online

Flying can be super expensive, and there’s no doubt about that. Even after using all your miles or various discounts, flight tickets can burn a hole in your pocket rather easily. So, how do you get affordable tickets without compromising on your in-flight comfort? Well, here’s a complete guide that will help you with just that: Go incognitoA lot of online websites use cookies to inflate the prices of flight tickets. No, you did not make a mistake when you saw the prices the first time, it truly did change. Multiple sites use these cookies to check if the route has been searched before. With that information, they hike their prices and scare the customer into buying the tickets as soon as possible. Book the tickets as early as possibleBooking the flight tickets at the last moment means high prices. Instead, plan your trips in advance and book the tickets at least three months before the trip. This will help you save a lot of money, and you will be able to choose better seats. If not three months, book the flight tickets at least 30 days before the trip. Ticket prices see a hike during the final three weeks before a flight. Set a price alertYes, flights are cheaper if you book them in advance, but how will you know you’re getting the cheapest possible flights? To do this, set a price alert to get notified when the price increases or decreases. When the price hits the level you want, you can book the ticket. Even if the dip in costs of the flight ticket is small, you will have major savings if you’re booking tickets for a family. Compare prices on different airline portalsChecking the prices of flight tickets on the carrier is good for research purposes. You can then use this information and check for flight prices on travel and planning websites to see if you can avail of major discounts. Do not just check one or two websites. More is always better. This way, you’ll know if you’re actually saving money by getting a discount on your ticket. Take the connecting flightIf you’re in no hurry to get to your final destination, book a connecting flight. Connecting flights are always cheaper than non-stop flights. To top it off, if you can book the connecting flight yourself, you’re bound to save more than you can imagine. That being said, don’t forget to ensure that the two flights have enough time apart or may end up missing your flight. Mix airlines and airportsWhile traveling, it is also important to remember that certain airports are more expensive than others. The same goes for airlines. This is why it is important to check nearby airports while booking a flight. You can end up saving around $30 by choosing the next airport instead of the first one. While searching for connecting flights, you may only receive results showing flights from the same carrier or its partners; you want to avoid this. Choose different websites and different airlines to get the best discounts.

Next Read

4 cruises that are both luxurious and easy on the pocket

Cruises are often stereotyped as being a travel option for only those with a lot of money. The idea stems basically from old cinema, where luxurious cabins and picturesque decks formed the backdrop mostly for well-to-do characters. The narrative, however, has gradually changed with people prioritizing time over luxury. Therefore, cruises have been much more affordable despite significant improvement in their underlying design and facilities compared to some decades ago.Celebrity ReflectionBuilt in 2012 and owned by the Royal Caribbean Cruises, the Reflection offers not just excellent all-round service but does so at an affordable price. The vessel is run by a 1000-strong crew and has a top-deck Lawn Club, 14 bars, three pools, and one casino.It is highly recommended by passengers, who are especially fond of the Alcoves - a crowd-free cabana lounging. Among its other standout facilities include a Basketball court, a wide variety of suite cabins, and the Lawn Club Grill, where you can cook yourself or have a chef do it for you.Nieuw StatendamWith worldwide cruises starting at a reasonable price, the Nieuw Statendam offers tremendous services, which include Live Music at Music Walk, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Lincoln Center Stage. There is also a World Stage theatre, a two-tier Lido Deck with a movie screen, and a wine-making venue called Blend.Given this Holland America Line cruise was launched less than two years ago, it has a lot of freshness in its cabins, hallway, and restaurants. The cruise has a blend of peace and vibrance that serves both youngsters and adults, while its prices are as affordable as possible.Disney FantasyOperated by Disney Cruise Line, which is part of The Walt Disney Company who entered the business only in 2012, the Disney Fantasy is a dream for its fans. It features a Marvel Super Heroes Academy, a Star Wars-themed command post, and a Tiffany & Co. retail store.Some of the other onboard activities are a live musical comedy based on Disney’s Aladdin, Star Wars Day at Sea, and a thrilling sky-high water ride called AquaDuck, among others. There are 10 themed dining venues, Goofy’s Sports Deck activity center, a virtual sports simulator, and Quiet Cove Pool. Despite such luxury, the Fantasy’s prices are not that high, making them more than worth it.Symphony of the SeasAnother classic run by the Royal Caribbean International, the Symphony of the Seas, is one of the world’s largest passenger ships. It houses 6,680 passengers, a 2000-plus crew, and 18 decks filled with every activity you can imagine.There is a surf simulator, an indoor ice skating rink, two 40-foot rock walls, a zip line, a 10-story slide, and 15 quick-service and sit-down eateries. The pretty reasonable fare includes meals at Windjammer Marketplace buffet, Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Solarium Bistro, Cafe Promenade, and Boardwalk Dog House.

Our Blogs

Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Black Friday will be here soon, presenting pet parents an opportunity to stock up on food for their feline friends without spending a lot. There will be plenty of discounts from the top pet food brands, including Royal Canin and Purina. But if you cannot wait until then, check out these ten fantastic deals that are available right now. Take your time researching well and pick the healthiest options for your cat! Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Cat food This grain-free recipe ensures your pet gets the proper nourishment and maintains a healthy weight. Besides promoting weight control, it supports the muscles and improves digestive health. The product is already available at a discount of 7% on Chewy, but you can expect a better deal during the year-end sale. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Gravies Grain-free Variety Pack This variety pack makes mealtimes quick and easy. Created by nutritionists and veterinarians, the recipes are enriched with the finest ingredients to promote your cat’s well-being. Petco is offering a discount of 5%, but you can get it at an even lower price by opting for repeat delivery. Tiki Cat Queen Emma Luau Variety-pack Grain-free Canned Cat Food You can save 10% on this variety pack from Tiki Cat at Chewy.
Read More
20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

If you’ve been waiting for Black Friday to make a big-ticket furniture purchase, now’s the time, especially if you’re searching for something, like a sofa or mattress. We’ve seen savings of up to 50% in recent years, so browsing the bargains may really help keep prices down, which is crucial, considering the cost of living. Also, remember to bookmark websites that offer information on the current Black Friday furniture bargains. Metal and wood platform bed frame On Amazon, the ZINUS Suzanne 37-inch Metal and Wood Platform Bed Frame could drop to $189 (was $220), a $31 savings. Bathroom vanity Last year, the Lark Manor Burchard 36′′ Single Bathroom Vanity Set was available for $549.99 (down from $724.99). Add this to your shopping list to save $175 at Wayfair. Floor lamp The AllModern Finton 60.25-Inch Tripod Floor Lamp might be available for $149, a 44% reduction. That’s a deal you don’t want to lose on. Queen-sized bed frame Last Black Friday, the Plank Beam PB312-002 Solid Wood Queen-Size Bed in White was on sale for $270.74 (down from $319). On Amazon, that is a 37% discount. Coffee table Cumka Coffee Table Teak Resin 23.6′′ is anticipated to retail at Walmart for $205.60, a 30% discount.
Read More
Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

A fitness tracker will be on many Black Friday shopping lists this year. While it is on November 25, multiple deals are expected to pop up from early September to late October. Whatever your fitness mantra, high-tech fitness trackers can help you achieve your goals. And getting them at a discounted price is the cherry on the cake! Let’s check out some amazing Black Friday fitness tracker deals for the year 2022. Fitbit Versa 3 Continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2, support for NFC payments, a microphone for taking phone calls, and Google/Alexa assistance are some of the many incredible features offered by this tracker. Plus, unlike its previous variants, Versa 3 provides a built-in GPS for navigation. During the sale season, you might also find it priced under $200. Fitbit Charge 5 Fitbit Charge 5 delivers many upgrades to cater to your needs. Many online platforms offer it for under $150 for a limited period. Its features, like the bright OLED screen, electrodermal activity sensors, contactless payments, notifications, sleep tracking, heart monitoring, and timers, make it one of the most highly dependable fitness trackers. Garmin FENIX 7 Series A week’s worth of battery, topographical maps, touch screen, military-grade standard, up to 10 ATM water resistance, insightful training guides and programs, solar charging, and astonishing real-time stamina feature are the traits that make the 7 series an absolute hit.
Read More
Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

When you have been diagnosed with a condition such as Crohn’s, it is vital to watch what you consume to avoid triggering or worsening symptoms. Although there is no specific meal plan for patients with this condition, it has been noticed that avoiding a few foods can help to manage the condition more effectively. However, these trigger items can vary from one person to another. Read on to learn about the foods to avoid during Crohn’s flare-up: Dairy products If you have Crohn’s disease, you might be lactose intolerant too. Lactose is a protein found in milk and dairy items such as cheese, and some people find it difficult to digest or process. Hence, consuming these items could trigger the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and lead to bloating, diarrhea, cramping, etc. However, dairy products are a rich source of vitamin D and calcium; if you are avoiding them, you would need to get these nutrients from other food sources. This can include green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals or juices. You might also need to talk to your doctor about taking supplements. Greasy and fried foods People with this condition should avoid items such as French fries and fried chicken.
Read More
10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

With Black Friday comes amazing deals on a variety of goods, right from appliances to furniture and home décor to dog foods. Even popular brands, such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science, Iams, and Blue Buffalo, offer hefty discounts during this time. Whether your dog loves dry food or wet food, you will find plenty of nutritious and delicious options at hard-to-miss prices. Check out the best Black Friday dog food deals given below. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food This dog food, originally priced at $67.99, is offered by Chewy at a discount of 10%. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is specially designed for adult dogs. Your pet dog will love to eat this healthy meal made with protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science offers a variety of dog foods to nourish your furry friend who is prone to having an upset tummy. This dry dog food contains nourishing prebiotic fiber and real chicken and is gentle on the stomach. At Chewy, you can get this dog food for $77.99 and save 4%. Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food Get a 14% discount on Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food when you buy from Chewy.
Read More
Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Bronchitis is a lung condition in which the lining of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs, gets inflamed. The condition can be chronic or acute and can develop as a result of an underlying respiratory condition or a cold. Certain foods can also trigger the condition and cause the symptoms to worsen. Here are some foods to avoid when diagnosed with bronchitis. Dairy products People suffering from chronic bronchitis need to limit their intake of dairy products. When digested, these items release a compound known as casomorphin, which is known to elevate the amount of phlegm and mucus released by the body. This can lead to severe coughing, which could worsen wheezing and pain in patients suffering from the disease. Instead of dairy products, you can opt for alternatives such as almond or soy milk. Excess salt Excess salt can be extremely harmful to patients suffering from the disease because too much sodium can cause water retention in the body leading to difficulty breathing. To season your food, it is essential to opt for low-sodium salt alternatives, as suggested by a nutritionist, to counteract any harmful effects on the body. It is also essential to keep an eye on labels about the amount of salt present in snacks and processed foods.
Read More