| Nowadays, the planning and preparation for a | | | | discounts if you book direct on their sites. |
| holiday or a road trip has become increasing | | | | 3. Plan your trips well in advance. If you do an |
| difficult. There are a multitude of options to | | | | advance purchase within an off period, the rate |
| choose from, never mind the issue of the mode | | | | you will be quoted could be discounted by up to |
| of transport. The main issue or concern is always | | | | 50%. |
| that of having a roof over your head, be it a | | | | 4. Make sure you ask about weekend rates. Many |
| hotel or lodge or other establishment. Once you | | | | hotels that cater for the business traveler often |
| have found a hotel that suits all your needs you | | | | have great rates on their weekend times - as |
| need to determine whether you are getting the | | | | they are not as busy during these times. |
| best rate. | | | | 5. If you are traveling as a group, ask about |
| Often, when speaking to your travel agent or | | | | group rates for group bookings. Many hotels have |
| checking the glossy brochure of each hotel, you | | | | different price structures if you book for more |
| get the generally quoted rate for hotel rooms. | | | | than 4 people. |
| However, it is often possible to get a huge | | | | 6. Do not be afraid to negotiate - many lodges, |
| discount on hotel rooms and you can definitely | | | | and even some hotels, will be more than willing to |
| score a better deal and save your family a lot of | | | | discount their rates if pressed to do so. Advise |
| money. | | | | them that you may go elsewhere, and usually |
| 1. Use the internet - there are plenty of rate | | | | they will offer a discount to get the business. |
| comparison tools like Travel Axe or that allow | | | | With the recession, hotels are hungry for |
| you to compare various offers and rates. | | | | business, and this may be the perfect time for |
| 2. Surf the internet and use the online travel sites | | | | your family to plan that desired holiday they |
| like Expedia, Hotels.com, or Travelocity and see | | | | always dream of. |
| what they are offering. Often they offer | | | | |