Traveling and hotels are two related industries that have a lot in common. Both are large service industries worldwide and both are growing in importance as people become more interested in visiting new places. The differences between the hotel industry and the travel industry are also important to understand.
Whether you’re looking for an opulent and iconic grand hotel, a quirky and cool-minded boutique, a picturesque inn straight out of a storybook, an all-inclusive beachside resort or a unique hostel or Airbnb experience, the options are endless. For many people, the type of lodging they choose to stay in on a trip will have a significant impact on their experience.
While travel remains lower than normal due to COVID-19, the pent-up demand from travelers is driving some aspects of the travel industry to be pricier than ever before. With careful planning, though, consumers can satiate their wanderlust without breaking the bank.
The cost of airfare, hotels, rental cars and dining out have all increased in recent years. According to the latest data from NerdWallet, these costs are up 9% in the past year and 20% compared with 2019.
One way to cut costs on your next getaway is to book directly with the hotel. This avoids paying commissions to third-party booking sites and can sometimes get you extra freebies like a room upgrade or gift card for a future stay.
A third way to save is to be flexible with your travel plans. If you are able to move your trip dates or stay the night before/after, you can often find much better deals on flights and hotels, especially if you’re willing to fly on less popular days of the week or stay in hotels that aren’t as full.
Many hotels offer loyalty programs that give you a chance to earn and redeem points for your stay. These programs are designed to attract and retain customers, as well as reward them for their patronage. These rewards can include everything from free rooms to restaurant vouchers and airline miles. It’s important to research the different hotels in your area and find one that offers a rewards program you can take advantage of.
Lastly, if you are traveling for work, make sure your company reimburses you for all your expenses. If not, consider getting a hotel-branded credit card. This will help you rack up the points quickly, and will ultimately result in a bigger bang for your buck when you’re ready to use them.