With the economy struggling to gain momentum, travellers are increasingly opting to stay home. That’s bad news for hotel operators, particularly since many of them expanded with new construction during the economic boom of the last decade.

But while that might be bad for business, it can be great for those travellers on a budget.

Here are some ways to score a great hotel without breaking the bank:

Check out a hotel website
When booking, first look on the website for the hotel where you’d like to stay. Often hotels have deals that are only available to people who book through their websites, rather than another online travel service. Others have a policy that will match prices if you find one that is lower. Be sure to compare that to online travel sites before booking. You can then call the hotel directly and ask if they can offer you a lower rate than you’ve found online - you’ll be surprised how often they agree.

Go in the off-season
If you’re traveling to major cities like New York or London, try planning a weekend trip. City hotels usually cater to business travelers, who mainly travel for work on weekdays. That means you’re more likely to score a good deal in an urban center on the weekend. As well, if you don’t need to be right in the downtown try choosing a hotel on the outskirts or suburbs of a big city. This can be a great money-saver, but choose carefully because you could end up spending more renting a car or paying for gas and parking than you’ll save on a hotel. As for resorts, try travelling in the off-season, such as late fall or early spring.

Look for discounts
Many hotels offer discounts to military veterans, AAA members, seniors, or corporate travellers. Check for any discounts you may qualify for before booking. Don’t be afraid to ask the hotel directly for any discounts, package rates (such as paying for two nights and getting the third for free) or complimentary upgrades. Be sure to call the hotel’s direct number, rather than a national 800 number. Individual hotels have wide latitude to set their own prices, while call centers don’t.

Join a loyalty program
Most major hotel chains have some sort of loyalty or rewards program for frequent guests. These allow you to accumulate points every time you stay in one of the chain’s hotels. Some major chains also own several hotel brands and you can use their loyalty cards at any of the parent company’s hotels. Most of these loyalty programs are free to join and the points can be used for several years with few restrictions. Many hotel chains have also partnered with major credit card companies, allowing you to earn points with any purchase that can be used toward free nights at a hotel. But not all hotel credit cards are equal. Some offer more generous sign-up bonuses than others and some come with higher annual fees or interest rates.

Rebook
Your hotel plans don’t have to end once you’ve made your reservation. Keep checking the prices on your hotel of choice. If you spot a deal or a price-drop after you’ve already booked, cancel your reservation and rebook at the lower price.

I highly recommend the European style and elegance of the Kingston Best Western Fireside Inn

The wedding is over, the guests have gone home. Now it’s time to relax, right? It might surprise you to know that planning the perfect honeymoon is often just as stressful to couples as planning the perfect wedding. While honeymoon details were traditionally meant to be handled by the groom, these days women are understandably reluctant about leaving such important plans to their man.
Here are some tips for how to plan the kind of honeymoon you both want.

Budget
Sure if you had an unlimited budget you could rent yourself a private island, or frolic with celebrities at an exclusive resort in Bora Bora or Parrot Cay. But weddings are expensive enough and you don’t want to dig yourself into an even deeper hole by adding on a pricey honeymoon. On the other hand, you don’t want to penny-pinch so much that your honeymoon is short and unmemorable. So discuss with your spouse how much you are willing to spend as a couple – and then stick to it.

One of the greatest ways to score an amazing honeymoon on a budget is to travel in the off-season. Whether this means rescheduling your wedding, or holding off on the honeymoon for a few months, you can often find incredible deals if you’re willing to compromise on your dates. Many places such as Bermuda are busiest in the summer – which is traditionally the most popular time for a wedding. But by travelling in the fall or early spring, you can often find high-class hotels at a deep discount.

Another way to have a wonderful, yet inexpensive, honeymoon is to stick close to home. While you might dream of jetting off to an exotic location, try searching for romantic getaways within driving distance from where you live. You would be amazed at the beautiful destinations that lurk in your own backyard. This kind of honeymoon can make you feel like you’re worlds away – without having to spend like you are.

Discuss the type of Honeymoon you want
Maybe you’re the kind of couple who dreams of a relaxing walk on the beach. Or maybe your idea of romance is scuba diving with sharks. The key is to discuss your dream honeymoon with your significant other and then be willing to compromise if the two of you have very different ideas of what you consider to be a romantic vacation. Often something like a cruise can be an ideal solution for couples who can’t agree on what they want. Many cruises offer both relaxation and pampering but with plenty of opportunities for on-shore adventure activities.

Get off the beaten path
One way to design a memorable honeymoon is to skip the usual resorts and tourist activities. For instance, instead of opting for an escorted tour, try renting bikes and exploring your honeymoon destination on wheels. You’ll still be able to see all the highlights your destination has to offer without the crowds of a tour– and you’re likely to discover some hidden gems along the way.
Another great way to plan a unique visit and save some money is to do as the locals do. It’s great to try out the expensive restaurants designed for tourists. But try saving your high-priced meals for dinner, and then dining at local spots for your other meals. Or check out a farmer’s market for fresh local produce and baked goods.

Don’t be Shy
Hotels and tour operators often have deals that cater exclusively to travellers on their honeymoon.  If you are using a travel agent, let them know you’re newlyweds. In fact, tell everyone – tour groups, hotels, and restaurants. You may find yourself getting small perks and upgrades, such as chocolates on your pillow at a hotel, or a restaurant table overlooking the water for your special occasion.

I highly recommend the European style and elegance of the Kingston Best Western Fireside Inn