Traveling? Learn How To Haggle

Did you know you could save hundreds of dollars when you book a hotel room or rent a car?

In part III of The Early Show travel series, consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen explains how to haggle over prices.

The key, she says, is to negotiate for a price before you settle on anything.

Here are Koeppen's money-saving tips:

Call the hotel directly. Don't call the 1-800 reservation line, when booking a hotel.

"Spend the money on the long distance phone call," says Koeppen. "I found I had better luck by talking to a local employee actually working at the hotel. They were more helpful when it came to bargaining and trying to find me a good rate. And if you don't like the price, hang up and call back. You might get a better deal calling the next day."

Ask about special discounts when booking a hotel or car.

Koeppen says you can save a bundle if you say, for example, "I have AAA. Do you have a special rate?" Or, "I am a senior citizen. Is there an AARP discount?" Or, "I work for the government. Do you have a discount for me?"

You need to ask, because they aren't going to always offer these discounts unless you do.

Here is how Koeppen implemented her bargaining tips when she planned trips to Boston and Los Angeles:

Boston
Time: Overnight trip, this weekend
Place: Sheraton Boston Hotel
Accommodations: King bed, non-smoking, club level
Adults: 2
Asking price: Hotel Web site price: $339, prepaid, no changes allowed.

After bargaining:
Koeppen called the hotel directly and the price quoted was $329. With AAA, the price dropped to $289. With AARP, the price was also $289. She asked if they could do better than that, and was given a room with a queen bed and not on the club level for $239.

Los Angeles
Car rental: Minivan
Time: One week
Company: Budget
Asking Price: $345

After bargaining:
With Sam's Club card, price dropped to $310. With AAA and AARP, the price was also $310. But after asking if they could do better, she was offered a special deal of $226. Koeppen also checked with the company's Web site and got the best deal, $182.

You can find great deals on the Internet, but not always the lowest price. Besides checking the Internet, you need to call around and push for the lowest price, Koeppen points out.

The only time bargaining isn't going to get you anywhere is if you try to do it during peak season, or if you're booking the most popular hotel, and there's only one room left. You might also have trouble also if you're going somewhere with a huge convention or big sporting event going on.

As for bargaining for plane tickets, Koeppen says those prices are pretty set when you call up or check the Internet.

In part IV of the travel series, Koeppen takes a closer look at vacation deals that seem too good to be true. Tune in Thursday, and find out how not to get burned.