Traveling and Hotels
Traveling and hotels are closely related industries. After all, most people who go on a long trip need somewhere to stay overnight. Hotel chains are one of the main options when it comes to booking a place to sleep, but there are also many smaller accommodations that cater to specific tastes and budgets. Regardless of what kind of accommodation you choose, your experience will be improved by knowing the best time to book it and how to use the right search tools.
The coronavirus pandemic has slowed tourism, which is bad news for airlines, cruise lines and hotels. However, the industry is rebounding as international travel resumes and business trips increase, and the return of tourists translates into increased demand for hotels. In addition, hotels are seeing a rise in long-term stays from corporate travelers, so some have expanded their vacation rental brands to meet that need.
In general, the quality of hotels is higher than that of Airbnb properties. This is due to the fact that hotel chains have consistent standards, which help guests feel comfortable and familiar with their stay. In addition, hotels are generally safer than Airbnb, especially when staying in less-traveled areas.
Hotels offer good flexibility when it comes to booking, and most have clear cancellation policies on their websites. Having this flexibility can be beneficial for some travellers, especially when unforeseen events arise. However, if you want the ultimate in flexibility, Airbnb may be your best option.
Some travelers are even choosing to take the plunge and buy their own homes through sites like Airbnb, which can be a great option for people who want to avoid hotels but still enjoy the benefits of travelling. It can also save you money, since you don’t have to pay for meals or a hotel room while you’re away from home.
Another way to save on hotel expenses is by combining it with airfare. Many travel agencies and online booking sites have bundled packages that are cheaper than buying a flight and hotel separately. In addition, daily deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial have discounted deals that can help you save on hotel accommodations.
Aside from discounts, some travellers can find additional ways to save on hotels by calling the front desk directly and asking about promotions. Depending on the time of year and the hotel’s popularity, they might have package deals or other discounts that aren’t advertised online. In addition, some hotels belong to a travel association that offers special rates that aren’t available to the public. My agency, for example, is part of Signature Travel Network and Virtuoso, which allows us to provide our clients with valuable amenities such as free breakfast, late checkout and spa credits. These perks can add up to significant savings on pricey hotels. Lastly, the overall inflation rate is slowing, which means that rising costs for worker wages, property expenses and interest payments for businesses are being passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices on everything from shampoo bottles to pretzels.