Haven’t planned your summer vacation yet? You’re still in luck if you’re looking to find a reasonably-priced escape.
According to TripAdvisor, the least expensive time to book U.S. hotels is within three months of a summer trip when travelers can save 9%, compared to peak pricing. In some cities, such as Paris, that window extends to as few as two months, where travelers can save 23% versus the peak rates.
A new report from the online travel site analyzed hotel pricing data to identify the lowest prices for hotels this summer. TripAdvisor looked at data across nine regions and 30 cities for travel in June, July and August
Visit Chicago, for example, and book within two months for savings of up to 18% and an average price of $292 per night. In New York City, a two-month window can save you 23%, and average rates hover about $325 per night. Want to visit Disneyworld? You’re in luck. Orlando travelers can save 9% when booking six months in advance, but average rates are just $163, as summer is considered “low” season for Florida.
Want to go further afield? Visit Rome and book at least four months out to save 21% on hotels at an average of $125 per night. For Barcelona, just three months in advance will save 33% at an average of $199, and in Caribbean destinations like Turks & Caicos, book within two months to save 22%, with an average rate of $518 per night.
Not sure how to get the best rates? Here are five additional moneys-saving tips:
- Book direct. Packages like Travelocity or Kayak can save you on a “bundled trip,” but when something goes wrong, like a missed flight, it’s often hard to negotiate with the airline or the hotel. Book direct and many hotels will guarantee a best rate, and you can deal directly with the team if needed.
- Try a travel agent. Many agents can get value-added perks and better rates than travelers can get on their own. Sites like Virtuoso.com, that specialize in high-end travel, get guests an average of $450 in rewards and perks per reservation.
- Be flexible. Travel on an “off” day such as a Saturday or a Tuesday for better flight prices, and try a mid-week stay in a resort destination for better rates. Weekend stays are usually cheaper in major cities, as hotels often cater to high-paying business travelers during the week.
- Ask for a discount. Seriously, it often works. Call hotels directly and ask if they are offering any available promotions for your dates. Big chains, like Marriott, at the very least often offer discounts to rewards members.
- Consider a shoulder city, within reason. Try Hoboken instead of New York City, Alexandria instead of Washington, DC, or Kissimmee instead of Orlando. Just be cognizant of location — you don’t want to be so far from major attractions as to spend all day in transit, or in a less than safe area.
Photo Credit: Turks & Caicos, by McLean Robbins
