Should I Book Hotels Before Road Trip?

By Alice Nichols

When planning a road trip, one of the most important things to consider is where you will be staying each night. Some travelers prefer to book their hotels in advance, while others prefer to take a more spontaneous approach. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of booking hotels before a road trip and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you.

Pros of Booking Hotels Before a Road Trip

1. Convenience

Booking hotels before your road trip can save you time and hassle during your travels. You won’t have to spend time searching for available hotels or worrying about finding a place to stay at the last minute. Instead, you can enjoy your journey knowing that you have a comfortable place to rest each night.

2. Savings

Booking hotels in advance can also help you save money on your trip. Many hotel chains offer discounts for early bookings, especially if you book directly through their website. You may also be able to find deals on travel booking websites like Expedia or Booking.com.

3. Peace of Mind

Knowing where you will be staying each night can also give you peace of mind during your travels. You won’t have to worry about finding a safe place to park your car or whether there will be availability at your preferred hotel.

Cons of Booking Hotels Before a Road Trip

1. Lack of Flexibility

One downside of booking hotels before your trip is that it can limit your flexibility on the road. If you encounter unexpected delays or decide to change your route, you may need to cancel or modify existing reservations, which can be inconvenient and costly. Missed Opportunities

Booking hotels in advance may also cause you to miss out on unexpected opportunities that arise during your travels. You may discover new destinations along the way that are not on your itinerary, but you will not be able to stay overnight if you have already booked a hotel elsewhere. Weather and Other Variables

Finally, booking hotels in advance may also leave you at the mercy of weather or other variables that can affect your travel plans. If a storm or other natural disaster occurs, you may have to modify your route or cancel your trip altogether, which can result in lost money on pre-booked hotels.

Conclusion

So, should you book hotels before a road trip? The answer depends on your personal preferences and travel style.

If you prefer convenience, savings, and peace of mind, booking hotels in advance may be the right choice for you. However, if you value flexibility and spontaneity on the road and are willing to take risks with finding accommodations along the way, then not booking hotels before your trip may be the way to go. Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide what works best for your individual needs and preferences.