The relationship between traveling and hotels is as old as history itself. It has always been important to travelers, but only after World War II did the hotel industry grow at an unprecedented rate. This was largely due to a postwar economic boom, which drove commercial travel to new heights. This boom was further fueled by the growth of organized labor and the interstate highway system. The hotel industry also became a major domestic political battleground. People travel for a variety of reasons, including work, leisure, or business.
Location
Location is an important factor when traveling and booking hotels. If you’re staying in a city and want to explore its sights, you’ll need to know where to stay. You can use online booking tools to narrow down the selection of hotels based on location. For example, you can look up nearby hotels by their address. Alternatively, you can view all the hotels within a specific driving distance, a fifteen or thirty-minute drive.
Price
With gas prices reaching record highs and a looming labor shortage, the price of travel and hotels is likely to continue to rise. While the pent-up demand in the industry may discourage some travelers from booking trips, there are some ways to save money on your travel and hotel needs.
Cancellation policy
There are many different kinds of cancellation policies for traveling and hotels. Depending on the company you use to book your trip, you may be able to get a full refund or partial credit. But sometimes, cancellation policies may not be as flexible as you would like. Luckily, there are some companies that are more flexible than others, and it is possible to get full credit or partial refunds for bookings made before the cancellation policy takes effect.
Alternative accommodations
Alternative accommodations are growing in popularity, and will only increase in the future. According to PhocusWire, a 1% shift in the market share to alternative lodging would lead to an increase in bookings of over $2.5 billion a year. Airbnb is a great example of an alternative lodging option.
Off-season travel
The cost of travel and hotel stays are rising as summer nears, primarily due to higher consumer demand. In March, travel costs rose 8.5 percent and hotel rates rose 11.7 percent, indicating that people are willing to pay more for a better experience. Cancellation policies vary by contract, but they must always comply with national laws and be fair to the consumer. They should also clearly state what happens if a consumer cancels their reservation.
Booking in advance
Choosing a hotel ahead of time is a smart way to avoid stress and frustration when traveling. Not only does booking a hotel in advance allow you to secure your desired room, it also guarantees you will have a room available when you arrive. It also helps you save money on accommodations, which can be especially useful during peak travel seasons.