If you’ve been searching for airfare, a hotel stay or a vacation package and prices seem significantly higher right now, you’re definitely not imagining it. Recent data from Hopper showed that consumers booking trips in early 2023 may have seen airfare prices that were nearly 20% more expensive than last year, and some hotel rates were as much as 50% higher compared to January of 2022.
Creeping prices for hotels and resorts are especially troublesome for travelers who are more than willing to drive to their destination versus flying but still want to score a good deal. After all, there are few ways to escape the high costs of paying for a roof over your head during a family vacation, and most of us want to book lodging that’s nice enough to enjoy over a week-long trip.
With the impacts of travel inflation in mind, you may be wondering about the best ways to save money on hotels and resorts without having to spend your family vacation in a roadside motel. The reality is, you may be able to save a bundle if you book ahead, book at the last minute, join a hotel loyalty program or utilize a range of discounts you may not have thought of before.