The travel industry, as a whole, has been changing for the better part of the last three decades, and one of the great consumer coups has been the rise of the last minute hotel deals. While there was a time when travel agents and large travel agencies did some great work for travelers from all walks of life, today’s travel industry is all about low cost, flexibility, and choice.

The consumer-driven travel industry has made it to where even travelers waiting until the last minute can actually book some tremendous savings that may not have even been possible even ten years ago.

Needless to say, hotel managers have a bit of an “in” into how best to secure these types of savings, but they are a tight-lipped bunch. Still, if you’re up for big travel savings on your next hotel stay, here are a few secrets straight from the travel gurus:

Travel packages — If you’re looking to stay in a hotel, you’ll probably need to travel. When driving isn’t an option, many people will fly to their destination & rent a car upon arrival. Some of the best savings you can get groups all of these options into one travel package, greatly bringing down the price. You do have to be persistent in searching for these deals, but they are out there.

Travel websites — Part of the persistence needed to find great combo deals includes checking websites that specialize in travel savings (you’ve seen the commercials about them for years). These sites put together the best deals from all over the internet, thereby saving you time. You can also sign-up for email reminders & alerts for new deals coming through for future trips.

App mania — You are certainly familiar with the growing number of apps available to do just about anything. Look a little further, and you’ll find apps that are specific to finding incredible hotel booking deals especially for the procrastinator in all of us. With the right combination of alerts & having your mobile device handy, finding a last-minute deal just got really easy.

Midweek travel — Most travelers try to book on the weekends, which means they contend with everyone else booking for the same space. Hotel industry insiders agree that by shifting your booking to during the week, you’re very likely to secure some serious savings simply because hotels want to be sure to fill their rooms, even if at a discount.

Off-season travel — Much like midweek travel, choosing to travel during a time of year when others aren’t is great for your pocketbook. This goes not only for hotel room reservations, but for just about all other modes of travel. Keep an eye out for killer travel packages.

Last minute hotel deals are easier to come by than you think. At times, it can be high-risk/high-reward, but having a dope hotel room is a sweet reward. Use technology to your benefit to help you get the savings you want next time you book a hotel, but understand that you need to put in a little work as well.

For last minute hotel deals in Fredericksburg, TX, contact Fredericksburg Inn & Suites today!

Photo: Justin Kern