Finding affordable yet comfortable accommodations, and cheap flights is a crucial aspect of this process, as these are the two most expensive options for all travel.
*Read More About Finding Cheap Flights in our Forum: Click Here
In this article we will focus on accommodation and here is a useful guide to leveraging online resources to find budget-friendly options for your clients:
1. Leverage Online Booking Platforms:
- Wide Range of Options: Browse well known accommodation focused websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda offer a vast database of hotels worldwide, allowing you to compare prices, amenities, and reviews.
- Filter and Sort: Utilize their useful filters while doing searches to narrow down your search based on budget, location, amenities, and guest ratings.
- Customer Reviews: Read reviews from other travellers to get insights into the hotel's quality, cleanliness, and overall experience. Naturally avoid accommodation with multiple bad reviews WRT to the above.
- Negotiate Rates: as an ITA you can contact hotels directly to inquire about special rates, packages, or discounts, especially for group bookings or extended stays.
- Official Websites: Go directly to check the hotel's official website for exclusive deals or loyalty programs. You can even find galleries there and show these images for clients so that they know what to expect first-hand.
- Contact Local Tourism Boards: use our local tour operator partnerships, DMCs, and information on local tourism boards may have partnerships with hotels, offering discounted rates to visitors.
- Hostels: For budget-conscious solo travellers, student travellers, or young groups, hostels offer shared accommodation and social opportunities.
- Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide a home-away-from-home experience, often at a lower cost than traditional hotels.
- Guest Houses: Guest houses, and homestay accommodations offer a more intimate and personalized experience, often with local hospitality.
- Midweek Stays: For saving money for clients recommend they consider traveling during the week, as weekends tend to be more expensive.
- Off-Peak Seasons: Find out whether it suits the client to book their travel during the shoulder seasons (during spring and fall months) to enjoy lower rates and fewer crowds.
- Explore Nearby Destinations: Besides the tourist traps, ask whether they would like to visit nearby cities or towns that may offer more affordable options.
- Travel Blogs and Forums: Do due diligent online research and read well known travel blogs, social media pages, and forums for recommendations, tips, and insider knowledge.
- Price Comparison Websites: Use travel websites like Kayak or Sky-scanner to compare prices across multiple booking platforms. Contact suppliers across our forum as well for interaction and assistance.
- Mobile Apps: use all your travel agency tools on your devices and download travel apps to access deals, book on the go, and track your itinerary.
- Read Their Fine Print: as an ITA you must carefully review the hotel's policies regarding cancellation fees, extra charges, and amenities. Once you have confirmed hotel bookings you can share this information with your clients.
- Check Guest Reviews: On the accommodation websites there should also be reviews that mention cleanliness, safety, and the hotel's overall atmosphere.
- Contact the Hotel Directly: Verify the information provided online by contacting the hotel directly to ask any questions. Confirm booking reservations at all times for clients.
Remember, the key to successful travel planning is flexibility, research, and a willingness to explore various options. Going all out to ensure a satisfied client means repeat business and a growing travel business for you too.
