Some people enjoy camping or RVing, and some even sleep in their cars on the road.  Others, like me, prefer a nice air conditioned hotel with all of the amenities, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune.  Here are some tips to help you save on your next hotel stay.  Of course it will never be as cheap as camping or sleeping in your car…maybe I need to rethink that.

Plan Ahead or Don’t
There are two sides to the planning story.  You can get a good deal by booking your hotel room months in advance because the hotels want to make sure they are filling up.  But, waiting until the last minute might yield an even better deal because the hotel would rather book the room than leave it empty.  It really depends on your planning style and whether you want to risk not getting a room.

Shop Around
Check all of the travel websites for deals on hotels.  Travelocity, Orbitz, and Hotels.com are just a few.  Be sure to check all of the sites and the hotel’s website to compare rates.  You should still do research on the hotel and read reviews especially if a deal seems too good to be true.

Make the Call
If you don’t mind it, a good old fashion phone call can sometimes reap the best rate.  This will allow you to be more specific about your needs and what you can live without to save a buck or two.  Tell them if you don’t care about the view or the size of the bed.  Ask about group rates if you’re traveling with others.

Don’t Forget Discounts
Membership cards in your wallet may give you access to hotel discounts.  Don’t forget about your credit card points and if you can redeem them for hotel rooms.  Some clubs such as AAA and AARP offer hotel discounts. 

Also, factor in all of the amenities such as continental breakfast, kids eat free, parking, etc. to make sure you really are getting a good deal.

Happy travels!