Our best-ever hotel tips

If you travel often, you've probably noticed that hotel prices are rising all over the world. But luckily there are a few insider tricks that can help you save on your next stay.

Hotel rates can fluctuate, and when sales do occur, they aren't always advertised openly. One clever way hotels keep their low rates hidden is by bundling rooms with airfares on travel sites like Travelocity, Expedia, and Orbitz.

For example, a three-night flight and hotel package for two from Newark to Nassau, Bahamas can go for $2,090 on Expedia. Booking separately however, that same trip would cost over $4,000 -- that's nearly 50 percent more than the bundled rate.

And what about booking last minute, like when you have a sudden change of plans? If you're looking to save money and avoid the scramble of 11th-hour reservations, check out HotelTonight.

This app is great when you're in a pinch -- you can find international deals as late as 2 a.m. the night of your stay, at discounts of up to 70 percent. And don't forget that a lot of hotels will let you cancel your reservation as close as 24 hours before without a cancellation fee, although some major chains have started to adopt stricter policies. It pays to know the policy though, because in many cases, you can still cancel your reservation if a better deal comes along.

Lastly, don't hesitate to call the hotel directly to book. The staff will often have access to prices not advertised online, so check the rates on the web before you contact them. One phone call just might save you an estimated 10 to 25 percent off the lowest online price.

With a little digging and a bit of know-how, you can find a hotel that doesn't break your stride -- or your budget.

Related: 9 hotel scams and annoying fees to watch out for