If you’re looking to book a holiday without breaking the bank, a staycation is just what you need. From experiencing more of your hometown to getting away for a night or two, there are a few ways to save money or make your funds go further.
One of my biggest travel tips is that planning and research is the key to saving money and getting the most out of your staycation. If you do it all in advance when you’re there, all you need to do is relax and enjoy your time with family or friends. Things you need to consider are:
- Budget – how much will the overall trip cost, including the points below? Here are 9 quick ideas on how to save money each month so you know how much you have to spend.
- Travel – how will you get there and get around whilst you are there? Is everything walkable, or can you use public transport?
- Type of accommodation – do you want a luxury hotel, happy to stay in a hostel, or something in-between?
- Food and drink – how much will you spend on breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, water, alcohol…?
- Things to do – plan a loose itinerary; what do you want to see and do?
Use booking.com as a search engine
Typing “hotels in Cardiff” into Google, for example, will only bring up the big search engines like Booking.com, LastMinute.com, Expedia, Trip Advisor, etc. These big companies spend a lot of money on SEO (search engine optimisation) and PPC (pay-per-click), so they will always be the first search results. Hotels and local accommodation often struggle to get on the first few pages.
If you want to visit a particular area, use booking.com as a search engine to find somewhere to stay with your requirements. Use the filters, such as parking, pets allowed, breakfast included, family rooms and swimming pool, to get everything you want included. This will help narrow down your search.
Then when you find a hotel or place that you like the look of, book on their website. Why? It should be cheaper, especially in smaller independent hotels. If, for some reason, it isn’t, give them a call. Hotels have to pay massive commissions to sites like booking.com and would prefer to have direct bookings. Sometimes, they aren’t able to change the price but may be able to offer a room upgrade or a complimentary breakfast.
Also, if you want to book a chain hotel, check TopCashBack, Widilo, QuidCo or another commission cashback website, as you can earn money online.
Other Benefits to Booking Direct
- Free upgrades
You get more perks and exclusive rates when you book your stay direct. The Reservations Team will also have group and corporate bookings, and when they get rooming lists, they may need to balance room types. On occasion, complimentary room upgrades will be given, and priority is given to those who book directly.
- Better terms and conditions
The most significant benefit to booking directly is better flexibility. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, cancellations and refunds, it can be much more complicated with an online travel agent – which is what these sites are. Even if you have a non-refundable room by booking direct, if they are given enough notice, they may allow you to change your reservation to another date – usually a month or so.
- Special requests
If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, mention it to the team, or write a note if you book online. The team may offer you a complimentary room upgrade, a drink on them at the bar, or a box of chocolates when you check in. Be warned, Reservations Teams get these requests a lot – sometimes the whole hotel are there for a special occasion – so it might not be possible.
You may also be offered promotions to help you celebrate, such as offers on wine, prosecco, afternoon tea, or a free dessert with dinner in the restaurant, which are something to consider.
- Room requirements
Notes from booking sites often get miscommunicated or are not sent through. If you have questions about your stay, you’ll get better answers from the hotel than an online agent who has probably never set foot in the building. If you need a twin room or want to check what equipment is in the accessible room, prefer to be on the ground floor – you’re more likely to get the answers you need when booking directly.
- Local attractions
The Reservations Team will be able to tell you what attractions are nearby and how easy they are to get to. Sometimes they have discount codes or vouchers too. Local knowledge is second to none. Use them to learn about the local transport and places to visit that may not be number one on Trip Advisor. Tourist attractions may also offer a discount if you book in advance, so if there is somewhere, in particular, you’d like to go to, double-check their website first.
- Loyalty programmes
Many hotels and accommodation providers run loyalty programmes or rewards clubs. It is usually free to sign up and will have a joining offer such as lower room rates, free WiFi, mobile check-in, a drink on arrival or a free breakfast. They are designed for those who stay frequently, but you can still get something extra on that one visit.
Book Packages and Special Offers
Booking.com and similar search engines tend to be room-only or bed and breakfast. Hotels will often design special offer packages covering all of their internal departments. Offers could be for dinner, bed and breakfast, spa breaks, golf breaks, theatre breaks, shopping stays, or Christmas festive breaks and Twixmas (when you stay between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day).
Check Out the Deals
The last piece of research recommended when planning a staycation is to check out the local deals. Vouchercloud, Wowcher and Groupon may have activity, spa days, or dining offers you can enjoy when you are there. Occasionally there will be hotel offers too – again, phone them and ask to book the deal directly. The worst thing they can say is no.
Lastly, make use of your memberships. Do you have a Taste Card? Many banks give this free of charge when opening an account. You can upgrade your Tesco Clubcard vouchers and look for 2-for-1 or off-peak offers at visitor attractions. Or seek out free activities like visiting a museum. You can also think outside the box regarding activities; have a game night on the beach, take a walk in the woods, or create a cooking challenge if you have a place to stay with a kitchen.
It’s time to explore!
Start planning your staycation like a pro! Plan ahead, and don’t forget to have fun. Remember to take plenty of pictures and create those memories you’ll remember for years to come.
For more beach hacks check out this post.
About The Author
Katrina Rohman is a Marketing Manager in the tourism industry and has over 15 years of expertise in the field. She runs the website Real Girls Wobble, a multi-award-winning local travel and staycation blog focusing on things to do in her hometown of Cardiff and the surrounding areas. She is a passionate cider drinker, spiced rum enthusiast and a cook-from-scratch advocate. On weekends you’ll find her hiking with her rescue dog, Ivan, or exploring a local heritage site.
