June 7, 2018

My name is Dayana Bernavil, founder and lead contributor of The Inn Life. This page is specifically designed to keep you 'Inn The Know' of the best kept secrets in travel...But before we get into that, I thought it'd best to share a little bit of my story with you.

My journey in the travel industry started just over 10 years ago, I enrolled at THE Florida State University where I studied Hospitality Administration. I was a know it all college student, who just knew I was going to be an event planner, plan weddings and live happily ever after. THAT COULDN'T BE MORE WRONG! After graduating from FSU, I received a job as a Manager in Training (MIT) for a privately held hotel investment and third party management company and moved to Baltimore, MD.

There I was, fresh out of college with only three suitcases in hand. I moved into the hotel and lived RENT FREE!  In this program, I learned everything there is to know about lodging operations. Starting with the front desk and checking in guests, cleaning rooms with the housekeeping staff and ultimately working in what I thought would be forever job, sales and catering.

After years of hotel experience, pursuing my Masters degree at Georgetown, traveling, and few job roles later, I now oversee digital marketing efforts for North America for a global hotel company.

There is a feeling you get when you land on the tarmac to start your vacation, you check into the hotel, take in the sights, and have the first delicious bite of the local cuisine.

As a marketer in the travel industry, data has shown that many millennial travelers use social media when being inspired to travel to certain destinations. If you're like me and my friends, your next adventure is based on the next deal you book.

But how often do we consider where we're going to stay when we book these deals?

Some of us just need a bed, a shower, at a cheap price. Some of us don't mind spending a few extra dollars for a nice room with a view to show off on our Instagram stories. Why not have both?

Below are three tricks to use when looking for overnight accommodations: 

1. Three Day Weekends Are Fun!

Why not stay an extra day? The lowest occupancy days in the hotel industry are Thursday and Sunday, when you're traveling over the weekend consider making a three day weekend instead. You'll find in most cases, when you're shopping around for a hotel there is a rate difference between a Friday and Saturday Night versus a potential reservation that includes the Thursday or Sunday. 

2. Avoid High Compressed Travel Dates

High compressed dates simply means dates where the city you desire to travel to is super busy with travelers to their city. Sometimes this is caused by weather, conventions, or events taking place in the desired city. Think Palm Springs during Coachella or Miami during Rolling Loud. Now, if you HAVE to travel during this time to your desired city, the key is to PLAN EARLY. Sites like booking.com and Expedia give you a great idea of what the market is quoting in terms of rates, if you find a decent rate? BOOK IT. Chances are it'll be gone soon after.

If you can avoid the hustle of looking for a decent room during peak season, you'll save tons! 

3. Alternative Housing

The concept of home sharing is extremely intriguing. There are pros and cons to alternative housing AKA home sharing. Options like AirBnB, HomeAway, Domio, and Oasis provide diverse options for people looking to travel leisurely, long term or for business.

P.S.

Third party websites like Booking.com allow me to offer you a $25 credit towards your next trip. Click the logo below to start your next adventure!