...Tips for Booking Hotels
[I:1:J]Whether you're doing it intentionally or
it's just an unfortunate twist of circumstances, traveling at the last minute
can be nerve-wracking. That is, if you come with an unprepared mindset. Since
traveling unprepared can sometimes give you trouble regarding hotel bookings,
here are tips on how you could land a place to stay even if you're making travel
plans at the last minute:
Look for hotels at local websites. Websites
offering tips and last minute booking deals abound but not many of them can be
very helpful if you're trying to actually get accommodated. Instead of using
websites that cater to a national or even international crowd, consider using
local websites. These sites oven offer better (read: better) listings of hotels
if you're traveling last minute. Global sites are often simply too expansive to
actually give you the good deals.
Use multiple sites. It's rare to find last
minute hotel bookings that offer reasonable prices in only one site. Use several
different sites so you can compare. You might even come across really great
deals - terrific if you're traveling on a budget.
Look for a local travel
agent. Don't rely too much on your trusty travel agent. Even they sometimes
don't get to help in terms of last minute hotel bookings during your travels.
Instead, look up travel agencies in the locality where you're traveling to. You
could probably find them online, at tourism websites or online yellow pages.
These local travel agencies have a better access on the actual availability
of hotel rooms in their area. They should - they're located there. Call them up
or send an e-mail to inquire.
Ask the local tourism office. If you're
traveling to a popular destination, they usually have local tourism offices that
you can turn to for assistance. It's the local government's way to show
hospitability in order to encourage tourists to come visit. If you need booking
for last minute hotels for your travel, try checking those in charge of local
tours. They could guide you in finding a nice, safe place to stay for the
duration of your trip.
An advantage here is that not many people do this
often - they prefer the more beaten path of calling hotels, airlines and travel
agencies. And since you'll be talking with the tourism office, you might want to
get a few tips on finding the best hotels where you could experience the local
flavors and offerings of your destination.
Check offers from low cost
airlines. Many low cost airlines have affiliated hotels. These range from 4 to 5
star hotels to more simple accommodations courtesy of inns and hostels. You
might want to check their websites for availability in case you're traveling any
time soon. Many of these affiliated hotels can accept last minute bookings. An
advantage: if you use the low cost airline for travel, you get all the
information you need including hotel bookings from only one website.
Check
out package tours. Sometimes, last minute hotel booking problems can be solved
by simply checking out bundled tours. Some airlines, such as major carriers,
might offer package tours that include not just hotel accommodations but also
rental cars.
If you book a flight with any of these airlines, you could take
advantage of their offers, get an airplane ticket, book a last minute hotel room
and even have a car pick you up from and to the airport.
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