Let’s be honest: booking hotels can be overwhelming. With so many travel sites, last-minute deals, and endless scrolling, it’s easy to feel like you’re always missing out on the best rate. And just when you think you’ve found a winner, you realize the currency’s wrong — ouch.
But here’s the good news: there are ways to simplify the process and consistently find great hotel rates that fit your budget and your travel style.
Here are six expert tips to help you save money and book smarter on your next trip.
- Search in shoulder season
Shoulder season refers to the time between peak and off-peak travel seasons. It’s often the best time to travel if you want to save money, avoid crowds, and enjoy mild weather.
For example:
- Mexico’s shoulder season: May, June, and November.
- Japan’s shoulder season: Late May to early June, and late November to early December.
- Paris shoulder season: April to May or September to November.
- Portugal’s shoulder season: April to May or September to October.
- California’s shoulder season: April to May or September to October.
Booking during these months can lead to significant savings on both hotels and experiences.
- Be flexible with your travel dates
Hotel prices can swing wildly depending on the time of year, local events, or even what day of the week you’re staying.
If your schedule allows, try adjusting your travel dates by a day or two. Mid-week stays tend to be cheaper than weekends, and avoiding national holidays or major festivals can mean big savings.
- Follow travel-deal-focused content creators
There are content creators who specialize in hunting down and sharing incredible travel deals. These creators often post limited-time hotel discounts, flash sales, and exclusive promotions you might not find elsewhere.
Look for creators whose travel style aligns with yours, whether that’s adventure travel, luxury getaways, wellness retreats, or business trips, and keep up with their recommendations.
You can find these creators on your social media platforms like YouTube or Instagram, or platforms like Plannin where travel content creators post their recommendations for the best hotels, experiences, and cruises. Plannin is a travel booking site, so once you’ve found your perfect stay, you can go ahead and book, all in one place!
- Look in larger hotel markets.
If you’re flexible with your destination, consider starting your search in major hotel markets. Cities like Las Vegas, Orlando, or Dubai often have an abundance of hotel rooms, which increases competition and leads to lower prices.
Pro tip: Newly opened hotels frequently offer promotional rates to attract guests. Keep an eye out for these — they can be some of the best value stays.
5. Book early — but not too early
While booking in advance is usually smart, booking too early can mean paying full price.
The best time to book depends on where you’re going:
- For domestic trips, the sweet spot is often 1–3 months out
- For international travel, aim for 2–5 months in advance
This is when hotels often release discounted rates to fill rooms, but haven’t yet raised prices due to rising demand. Use price alerts to track changes and jump on a deal when it appears.
- Sign up for booking platforms that offer closed-user-group rates — like Plannin.
Some booking platforms offer closed-user-group rates, which means discounts are only available to members who create a free account.
For example, Plannin offers:
- Exclusive member-only hotel deals, with up to 40% off worldwide
- Personalized hotel recommendations based on your travel style
- Real reviews and picks from fellow travelers
- Weekly emails with the best deals in top destinations
👉Sign up for Plannin here to start saving.
Stay up-to-date on marketing emails from these platforms. This is often the channel they’ll use to share their best deals. By checking your inbox often, you might just find your dream hotel or destination for less.
Bonus tip: Set price alerts
Use hotel price tracking tools (like Google Travel) to set alerts on your favorite properties. You’ll get notified when prices drop so you can book with confidence at the right time.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best hotel rate doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right mix of strategy and flexibility, you can book a great stay at a great price — and avoid the stress of overpaying.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Travel during shoulder season
- Be flexible with your dates
- Follow trusted travel creators
- Consider high-volume hotel markets
- Use platforms like Plannin for exclusive member rates
- Time your booking for the best deals
Happy booking — and safe travels!
