As travelers stay closer to home and businesses cut their expenses, the cost of travel is starting to fall as shown in Hotel prices fall the world over (BBC News, December 10).
The BBC piece got its numbers from the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (published December 9) which reports that Global hotel prices fell by 3 percent in 3rd quarter of 2008 (eye for travel, December 11).
Moscow and Monte Carlo top the most expensive list.
On the practical side RTE Money (Ireland) shares some tips on How to get a good deal on an hotel (December 9).
If you are looking for bargains in Europe they write that should put Eurocheapo to the test.
I never heard of Eurocheapo until today but they are said to offer unbiased reviews.
The RTE 'how to' article also suggests that calling an hotel you like and mentioning rates you found at other local properties might fetch you a deal.
When 'haggling' make sure you stay polite is their last tip.
Bonne chance