If you are planning to travel, there are a lot of things to do before you head out the door. This includes packing, fueling up the car, and/or buying plane tickets. However, you also need to make a hotel reservation. These tips will help you find that hotel room you need to make your trip perfect.

Make sure you put your valuables inside the safe in your hotel room. Anything of value can be securely locked in the safe, then you won’t have to worry about your valuables while out enjoying yourself for the day.

Double-check your organizational memberships. Some of these organizations will offer you discounts on hotel prices. People often forget that they are eligible for these discounts, which may be for 10 percent or more off of your stay. This is especially useful if you plan to book a longer stay. That can give you close to a completely free night when it adds up.

Checking online is the best way to find a good price and get the information that you need about hotels. Often, the reservations clerk will not advise you that a better deal is available online. It is your responsibility to find these discounts. Check out websites such as Jetsetter, RueLaLaTravel, and SniqueAway.

Always check the room before you begin to unpack your belongings. Is the room clean? Do the sink, shower, and toilet all work properly? Are there enough linens and towels? This quick check can keep you from discovering a problem later, after you have unpacked and all other good rooms are taken. Tell the front desk immediately.

To get the lowest price on accommodations, plan your trip in advance. If you can book early, you may get a huge discount. You may even be able to cut the price down by half!

If you’d like to bring Fido on your next trip, you must make some advance plans. You want to ensure you’ve chosen a pet-friendly hotel. Remember to bring bags so that you can pick up your pet’s waste when you travel. When you go to make the hotel reservation, see if there is room on the end that would prevent the other guests from hearing a noisy pet.

Use your AAA discount at hotels. You would be surprised where hidden discounts may be lurking. You can save five percent or more on certain hotels. This can add up in time!

Morning Run

If you enjoy a morning run, try booking a hotel room that’s near the beach or an open park. Simply set an alarm or get a wake up call and take an early morning run. Running down city streets or country roads can give you a fresh view of the place you are visiting.

If you stay in a particular hotel chain, ask about their membership program. Many hotels offer membership programs that allow you to earn points for each of your stays. They add up to free nights, discounts at hotel restaurants, show tickets, spa deals and a whole lot more.

Environmentalists can now enjoy a green vacation. Luckily, you can choose from quite a few green hotels these days. Many newer hotels are environmentally friendly. Older hotels can’t always do this, but instead choose to adhere to certain green practices. Talk to a travel agent if you want to find hotels that are eco-friendly.

How much you’re going to pay for your hotel room will depend on when your room is booked. The price is subject to the laws of supply and demand like any other product. When possible, you can often get a good price if you book a room at the very last minute. This will get you the best hotel rates. Empty rooms don’t earn the hotel money, so they’re happy to cut the price and reserve a room.

Getting a relaxing and comfortable hotel room is an essential part of any trip. Whether you are going on a family vacation with the kids, or traveling on business, the right hotel can make your trip more successful. Keep in mind all that you learned from this article the next time that you place a hotel reservation.

By Alex