Taking a vacation doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. In fact, a little research and smart decisions can go a long way to making your dream vacation happen, for a fraction of the usual cost. Here are 5 quick and easy ways to help you save on travel in 2016:
Check out travel credit cards
A certain stigma attaches itself to the idea of having a credit card, and rightly so, for spending money you don’t have, or buying something you cannot afford, is always a bad idea. However, while they can have the same pitfalls, there is also a risk-free strategy with travel credit cards which can help you make huge savings on future travels.
Providing you do a little research and read the fine print on each one, a travel credit card with free air miles can be obtained with no upfront costs. In fact, there are travel cards which offer free air miles with absolutely no obligation for a minimum spend amount. Furthermore, this bonus will remain even if you decide to cancel the card at a later date and there is no limit to the number of travel credit cards you can obtain.
How to find the best travel credit card: A quick google search will bring up a dozen options for you to consider.
Get Hotel discounts and more
Since the introduction of rate parity laws, there is really no way to find genuine hotel discounts, other than joining a travel membership club.
In recent years, a mass number of booking engines and travel companies have saturated the online market, but what many people have not yet realized, is how the above mentioned law now restricts these businesses from providing the best hotel discounts, vacation packages or travel offers. Essentially, this means you will now find the same price for products or services across all channels of distribution and the end result; no real discount or value.
Thankfully, there is still a way to find the best hotel discounts or special offers, and it’s a very simple process which involves signing up for a travel membership club such as Hotels Etc and getting easy access to huge savings.
Hotels Etc is a reputable company with more than 20 years experience, and over 4 million members.
Invest in an unlocked cellphone, or don’t take one at all
With so much Wi-Fi access in travel destinations, there really is no need to be spending dollars on roaming charges; Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype all have a facility to make calls.
However, an even smarter move when it comes to traveling abroad is to take an unlocked cell phone and purchase a local SIM card on arrival. Most airports will sell a temporary SIM card at very low prices, and the rates for which you are charged while using it, is always a fraction of the costs incurred through data roaming.
Eat local, and eat cheap
Cost is not always a true reflection of the value, and this is most certainly the case when it comes to food. When you think about it; why not have food in the hotel room for an evening? or make some lunch using ingredients from the local supermarket?
Eating at a restaurant for every meal can be a sure fire way to use up the entire budget for a vacation, and choosing to prepare your own lunch every afternoon, can leave you a lot more disposable spending money for other activities. Another alternative is to choose local restaurants away from the main tourist hub; meals are often just as good, and half the price.
Get your timing right, and travel for half the price
Shoulder months are always the most affordable time to travel on vacation, the weather is generally still just as good in this period, and everything cost less. People with children may not have the luxury to plan a trip outside of school holidays, and then sometimes it is difficult to agree on the best time, if there is a group decision involved, but ultimately, it will lead to large savings.
In fact, recent travel deals have allowed Hotels Etc members to travel with up to 60 – 80% off a large variety of hotels and vacation packages. These were not last minute deals, but rather an example of the amazing hotel discounts which are provided through travel membership clubs.
Whatever happens, and whatever the weather, think smart, pay less and have just as much fun.
You can sign up for a free trial with Hotels Etc today and check out all the latest offers.
If you are like I am then you are already planning your first vacation of 2016 and you want to get the best deals possible. We have the solution for you!
Originally published July 15, 2015 | Updated August 2026
The best way to save on Thanksgiving travel is to compare more than one booking option. Travelers should compare public hotel rates, eligible private member offers, flexible dates, room types, taxes, fees, cancellation policies and the complete value of each reservation before booking.
Thanksgiving travelers can make smarter booking decisions by comparing rates, travel dates, booking terms and eligible private member offers.
How Can You Save Money on Thanksgiving Travel?
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, which can increase demand for hotels, flights, rental cars and other travel services.
Rather than relying on one website or one type of offer, compare several options before making a reservation.
Look at:
Public hotel rates
Eligible private member offers
Nearby travel dates
Different room types
Taxes and fees
Cancellation terms
Refundability
Included amenities
Transportation costs
Final checkout price
Start Planning Thanksgiving Travel Early
Starting your Thanksgiving travel research early can give you more options to compare before hotel inventory becomes limited.
Planning early does not guarantee the lowest possible price, but it can provide more choices for destinations, room types, travel dates and booking terms.
As Thanksgiving approaches, availability can change quickly in popular destinations and along heavily traveled routes.
Compare Different Thanksgiving Travel Dates
Flexibility can be valuable during Thanksgiving week.
If your schedule allows it, compare hotel pricing and availability for several nearby arrival and departure dates.
A stay beginning on Tuesday may have different availability or pricing than one beginning on Wednesday or Thursday.
The best option depends on your destination, hotel inventory and travel plans, so compare multiple combinations whenever possible.
Compare Public Hotel Rates and Private Member Offers
A public hotel rate is generally available through an unrestricted booking channel without requiring membership in a particular private program.
A private member offer may be available only to eligible users through a membership, loyalty or other qualified environment.
Depending on the program and supplier requirements, travelers may need to sign in or verify eligibility before accessing certain private offers.
Simple Thanksgiving Hotel Comparison
Public rate: Generally visible through unrestricted booking channels.
Private member offer: Available to eligible or authenticated users through a qualified environment.
Best approach: Compare all offers you qualify for and evaluate the complete reservation before booking.
Are Private Member Hotel Rates Always Cheaper?
No.
Private membership does not guarantee that every hotel will always be less expensive than every publicly available option.
Thanksgiving hotel rates can change based on:
Destination
Travel dates
Hotel occupancy
Demand
Room type
Available inventory
Special events
Supplier availability
Cancellation policy
Refundability
The advantage of private membership is access to eligible private offers and benefits that provide another option to compare.
Does Hotel Rate Parity Mean Every Website Has the Same Price?
No.
Hotel rate parity generally refers to contractual provisions, pricing practices or distribution arrangements affecting how certain hotel rates are advertised or distributed across specified sales channels.
It should not be described as one universal worldwide law requiring every hotel rate to be identical everywhere.
Public rates and eligible private member offers can operate through different distribution environments.
A Closed User Group, commonly called a CUG, is a defined group of eligible users who can access certain offers inside a restricted environment.
Membership, authentication or another eligibility requirement generally separates the private environment from unrestricted public access.
Hotels Etc. operates as a private membership program. Eligible members can log into the private platform and search participating travel offers based on destination, dates, supplier availability and other booking conditions.
Compare the Final Hotel Price
Do not compare only the first room rate you see.
Review the complete booking, including:
Base room rate
Taxes
Resort or destination fees
Booking fees, if applicable
Parking costs
Breakfast or included amenities
Cancellation policy
Refundability
Room category
Final checkout price
A slightly higher room rate may sometimes provide better overall value if it includes benefits or more flexible booking terms.
Compare the complete Thanksgiving hotel reservation, including room rates, taxes, fees, cancellation terms and eligible member benefits.
Consider Staying Outside the Busiest Areas
If your Thanksgiving destination is experiencing high demand, compare hotels in nearby neighborhoods or surrounding communities.
A property slightly farther from a city center, airport or major attraction may provide another option.
Make sure you include transportation time, parking costs and convenience when comparing the overall value.
Holiday travel plans can change because of weather, flight delays, family schedules and other unexpected circumstances.
A lower nonrefundable rate may not always provide the best overall value if there is a reasonable chance your plans could change.
Review the cancellation deadline and refund terms before completing your reservation.
Compare the Same Room Type
When comparing hotel offers, make sure the room types and booking conditions are similar.
One offer may include a standard room while another includes a larger room, different bedding or additional amenities.
One reservation may be fully refundable while another may require advance payment and be nonrefundable.
For the most accurate comparison, evaluate equivalent bookings whenever possible.
Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Thanksgiving Trip
Hotel costs are only one part of Thanksgiving travel.
Your total trip budget may also include:
Airfare
Rental cars
Fuel
Parking
Dining
Entertainment
Attractions
Local transportation
Reducing costs across several parts of the trip can sometimes create more savings than focusing only on the hotel rate.
How Does Hotels Etc. Help Thanksgiving Travelers?
Hotels Etc. has been serving members since 1996.
Hotels Etc. provides eligible members access to participating travel and lifestyle offers through a private membership environment.
Members can search available travel offers for their Thanksgiving destination and travel dates and compare those options with other available booking channels.
Hotels Etc. does not guarantee that every hotel search will always produce the lowest price available anywhere.
The membership provides another qualified travel channel and access to participating private offers and benefits that members can evaluate as part of their Thanksgiving travel planning.
Thanksgiving Travel Savings Checklist
Start researching early.
Compare several travel dates.
Check public hotel rates.
Compare eligible private member offers.
Review equivalent room types.
Check taxes and additional fees.
Review cancellation and refund terms.
Compare nearby hotels and destinations.
Include transportation costs in your comparison.
Review the final checkout price before booking.
The Bottom Line
Finding better Thanksgiving travel value starts with comparing more than one option.
Public hotel rates, private member offers, loyalty programs and other qualified offers may provide different booking opportunities.
Compare dates, room types, taxes, fees, cancellation terms and the total reservation value before making your decision.
Hotels Etc. gives eligible members another private travel channel to include in that comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Travel Deals
When should I book Thanksgiving travel?
There is no single booking date that guarantees the lowest price. Starting your research early can provide more destinations, hotels, room types and travel dates to compare.
How can I save on Thanksgiving hotels?
Compare multiple travel dates, public hotel rates, eligible private member offers, room types, taxes, fees and cancellation policies before booking.
Are Thanksgiving hotel rates more expensive?
They can be higher in destinations experiencing strong holiday demand, but pricing varies according to location, dates, hotel inventory and other market conditions.
Are private member rates always cheaper?
No. Private membership provides another category of eligible offers to compare, but hotel pricing and availability constantly change.
What is a Closed User Group?
A Closed User Group, or CUG, is a defined group of eligible users who can access certain offers inside a restricted environment.
Does rate parity mean every hotel rate must be identical?
No. Rate parity generally refers to certain pricing and distribution arrangements and should not be described as a universal rule requiring every hotel rate to be identical everywhere.
Should I book a refundable Thanksgiving hotel rate?
That depends on your travel plans. A refundable rate may provide additional flexibility if weather, transportation or family plans could change.
How long has Hotels Etc. been in business?
Hotels Etc. was founded in 1996 and has provided private membership discounts and travel benefits for decades.
More Holiday Travel Planning Resources
For additional holiday travel planning strategies, read:
Hotels Etc. is a private travel and lifestyle discount membership company founded in 1996. Eligible members can access participating travel and lifestyle offers through the private Hotels Etc. membership platform.
Here is a list of things to remember when looking for the best travel deals. The article below will explain the best tips and advice on how to get the best deals.
Travel discounts, Travel Tips 
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