Traveling and hotels are two of the most important aspects of a vacation. However, the costs associated with these services can add up quickly. Luckily, there are some simple strategies that you can use to save money when booking travel.

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, booking flights and hotels as a package can offer significant savings. It can also save you time and hassle, as well as allow you to take advantage of added perks that may not be available when booking separately. Here are some of the top reasons to book a flight and hotel together:

With the rise of the sharing economy, travelers can bypass traditional travel companies and get in on the action directly with locals. This can help you find cheap accommodation, quirky tour guides, rideshare options and home-cooked meals at a fraction of the cost of what you’d pay for them at an established restaurant or travel company. Plus, talking to locals will give you access to insider tips like which supermarket has the best sales, where to shop for the cheapest ingredients or which hole-in-the-wall restaurants have the most delicious food.

In addition to saving you money, booking flights and hotels as a package often comes with added benefits such as free airport transfers, spa vouchers or discounted tours and activities. These perks can be worth the extra cost, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group of friends.

The hospitality industry is a huge business, and it supports millions of jobs across the country. This includes 8.6 million workers in the travel industry, as well as an additional 1.5 million people in non-travel related industries that benefit from travel spending. It’s also estimated that the hospitality industry contributes $248 billion in wages to Americans and $157 billion in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments.

According to Phocuswright’s recent research, travelers are becoming more independent in their destination selection, which could work out for the hotels that are able to cater to this trend. For instance, younger generations are more likely to seek out local experiences and avoid staying at hotel chains that focus on the glitz and glamour of major tourist attractions. This will create a new pool of potential guests for hotels to pursue, while baby boomers continue to vacation with their families and friends.

With the cost of travel on the rise, it’s more important than ever to look for ways to cut corners without compromising on safety or comfort. These tried and true hotel booking hacks can help you save money without sacrificing your trip experience.