7 booking hacks to get the best deals when traveling

As humans we are wired to desire change, no wonder most people enjoy traveling. However, according to travel research a good portion of people thrash the idea once they sit down to calculate how much that trip would cost.

People forgo vacations, weddings, burials, conferences, business trips & honeymoons because they can’t afford hotels and transportation.

Visiting new destinations often involves spending money on flights and accommodation which could take your budget out of reach.

I must remind you that staying with friends or a relation might cost you close to nothing. However, if you are one of those who don’t enjoy other people's couch that much, then be prepared to shell out more money book hotels and resorts.

You might have that colleague who does not earn as much as you do, yet he never misses an opportunity to travel. He is probably taking advantage of the several flights and hotel deal hacks out there.

We are sharing these 7 flight and hotel deal hacks to enable you live your dreams.

1. Ask and ye shall receive

We know you seek the best deal for hotel and flights, ask and you shall receive. It’s quite simple, before booking online, email or place a call through to the hotel and simply request in your sweetest voice if they have any deals for you. The worst that could happens is them repeating the same deals you saw on their website.
Brand loyalty is important to businesses, mention your past stay in their hotel in a nearby city and watch them scramble to keep their old customer.

If you are planning a long stay (over a week), inform them. Most hotels are eager to offer deals to guest who stay longer.

2. Sign up for Newsletters

Most flight and hotel reservation websites have newsletter and loyalty programs you can sign up for to get the best deals.

Jumia Travel allows you to sign up for price alerts for the places you’re interested in visiting. Other types of price comparison websites like Tripadvisor and trivago enable you check websites that offer different prices
for the same hotel. Many hotels give out discounts during festive seasons; you would know this if you
sign up for newsletters

3. Check for Online coupon deal websites

Visit deal coupon sites like Dealdey, Olx and Tisu for hotel deals.  Many hotels offer seasonal promotions to stay ahead of the competition. Such deals offer you as much as 70% off hotels and resorts. You can also get great bargains from hotel booking websites. Be on the lookout for Black Friday deals (at the end of
November) some airlines, hotels and resorts make it worth the wait.

4. Download booking apps

Travel apps like Skyscanner, Bookings and the Jumia Travel App come in handy for last minute flight and hotels. Some of these apps offer up to 40% off for first booking after downloading. This is definitely a reason to download their travel App and make all reservations at a go.

5. Book in advance during peak season

When planning vacations for holiday periods, it is cheaper when you make your reservations in advance. While it's technically not a deal hack, it is worth mentioning.

“Planning ahead” is very important; prices usually go up because of demand. As soon as you’ve chosen your destination, make your booking immediately.

6. Schedule your event for weekdays

Entertainment centers like museums, cinemas and parks offer weekday deals. This is probably
because they figured most of their clients are at work or in class. The airport on most weekends always seem as though everyone in the city is travelling.

Weekends on the other hand is free for most people, thus the demand and price surge. Another small tip is scheduling your flights for unsociable hours, very early morning flights are cheaper.

7. Make all reservations in your local currency

Be wary of International booking websites that offer services in foreign currencies that may not favor you. When traveling abroad make you book using local booking websites. Also check with your bank to determine how cost effective such International transactions
are.

If you have any tricks or hacks for maximizing your travel budget, we’d love to hear them. Share by leaving a comment below.