Last Minute Hotel Deals Need To Follow Transportation Costs
It is one thing when you get an offer for last minute airline flights to some exciting or exotic destination, the problem may become where to stay once you get there. When booking travel at the last minute, hotel accommodations may not always be available, rendering the opportunity of a good deal on a flight a moot point. There may also be times when booking a trip at the last minute that a flight may be cheap enough but the last minute hotel reservations are higher than you would like.
Persons traveling by car often stop for the night, many making reservations in advance so that when they stop their room is available and usually pre-paid at a discounted rate. When traveling without arranged reservations and walking into a hotel unannounced, there is a good chance the last minute hotel stay is going to cost the going rate. Depending on where and when, the rate can seem excessive.
For example, during the winter months a last minute hotel room in a vacation destination area may cost under $50 a night. However, getting a room in the same hotel during the vacation season can easily cost three times that amount, unless there is something special going on, the price for a last minute hotel room will be even higher.
Trying To Plan Ahead For Last Minute Travel
For most people presented the opportunity for a trip with little notice will not be able to make reservations far enough ahead of time to take advantage of special offers. Most hotels want at least two weeks notice for any special bargains and if planning to use travel reward points, the number of rooms set aside for the members may be limited. Making last minute hotel reservations through a membership club may offer some relief from full price, but during heavy travel seasons may not net the low price expected.
When a person first has the idea that a trip may be in the immediate future, they need to begin searching for last minute hotel deals and once they have solidified their plans, can book the reservation. Booking too early and having the plans change may end up costing extra for changing the plans or if they have to be cancelled, many charge a cancellation fee. Even though the travel times may be drawing closer every day, making last minute hotel reservations and then having to change them can be more expensive than paying regular price while on the road.
