Monday, June 1, 2009

The road map to finding cheap hotels

By Mike Duke

It is amazing how many people toy with the idea of visiting Australia. Chardonnay connoisseurs may want to personally visit the vineyards of Coldstream Hills, lovers may want to get married under the majestic palm trees of Queenslands sultry Palm Cove Beach, and the geologist may want to realize his dream of touching the notorious Devils Marbles, an extensive collection of scattered, massive round red-colored granite boulders located in the Tennant Creek area of Australia's Northern Territory.

The travel bug is like an addiction and one can never have enough. Coffs Harbour and the banana belt, Purnululu, the sandstone mound area of the Bungle Bungle Range, and all the other exciting and mysterious places seem so close in magazines and documentaries, yet are in reality so far away.

Traveling is a hobby many of us crave, yet often neglect because we feel it is too expensive, or will take up too much time to organize. Determining a travel route, checking flight schedules, renting a car, finding eateries and hotel accommodations are just a few of the preparations on a trip log.

Despite the rumors, going on a luxurious vacation does not have to be expensive nor complicated. With modern-day research tools such as the Internet, all the information you need is at your fingertips, in the convenience of your own home. With a click of a button or mouse you can find detailed information about anything you need, even rates on flights and cheap hotels.

The advantage of starting out by visiting official tourism websites is that these institutions, regardless if they are in Perth, Brisbane or Georgetown, know their way around the region. They offer page after page of excellent suggestions and can even send you convenient printed brochures through the mail. In addition to tourist attractions, facilities, tours and festivals, they can also recommend local restaurants and offer a range of cheap hotels in the area.

Travel experts at Cheaphotels.com.au have studied this phenomenon at length come and have come to the conclusion that about 1/3 of travel expenses usually go to sleeping accommodations and that with careful planning anyone can reduce this amount extensively. Here are some of the saving tips they offer if you want to find cheap hotels anywhere in the world:

If you know when you want to travel, book your room in advance.

Always compare prices, and not just between the various cheap hotels. It is not the first time that one-and-the-same hotel is listed with different rates.

If time is not of the essence and you can travel any time you want, consider last minute deals. If a hotel has too many cancellations it may reduce the rate for a quick sale.

Surfing the Internet, expand your search by adding keywords such as inn, lodge, motel and bed and breakfasts.

Wait for seasonal discounts during the slow season.

After your search has been completed and you have a list of cheap hotels, double check their locations, the accommodations they offer and read customer reviews and ratings. Especially unsatisfied customers gladly share their experiences, which may be valuable to you. To save on travel time and public transportation, also verify if the hotel is near the attractions you want to visit.

As you can see, by following these simple suggestions when you are planning a vacation or business trip, you should be able to stay at a stylish hotel that comes with all the bells and whistles, but without breaking the bank. Bon voyage!

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