Traveling and Hotels

Traveling and hotels

The relationship between traveling and hotels has been around for centuries, but it really came to a head after World War II, when postwar economic growth drove commercial travel to record highs. As the hotel industry expanded, it became a significant domestic political battleground. Today, hotels remain vital links between people, places, and activities.

Location

If you have a corporate travel policy, you can use Google to search for hotels within a certain radius. Boundary maps help you locate hotels within a 15 or 30-minute drive. You can also view prices and ratings to determine the best fit for your needs. You can also search for vacation rentals, too.

Location is one of the most important factors when choosing a hotel. It links you to nearby attractions and activities. Most travellers plan their entire trips based on the location of the hotel.

Cancellation policies

Cancellation policies for traveling and hotels can vary widely, depending on the hotel brand. For example, a luxury hotel might have a more flexible cancellation policy than a cheap hotel. Or, it may charge a higher cancellation fee for bookings made with reward points. In either case, cancellation fees can drive away travelers.

Hotel cancellation policies vary, so it’s important to know what they are before making a reservation. Some chains, such as Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott, have different cancellation policies. Hilton, for example, may adjust their cancellation policies based on the rate you book. Hyatt also adjusts its cancellation policy during peak travel periods. Before booking, make sure you check the cancellation policy and call your credit card company to find out which cancellation policy applies to you.

Off-season travel

During the off-season, the cost of travel and hotel stays is lower. However, consumers may face higher rates when traveling during peak season. For example, in March, travel costs increased by 8.5 percent while hotel rates rose 11.7 percent. This is because the tourist season is a time of increased consumer demand, which increases the prices. However, despite the higher prices, travelers still prefer to spend more for a more rewarding travel experience.

Booking with a travel agent

Booking with a travel agent is a good way to take advantage of perks that can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a hotel stay. These perks include complimentary breakfast, spa credits and more. Some agents have access to preferred rates and may be able to help you get the best deals on hotels.

Travel agents are not just for booking hotels. Some of them also book extras. If you’re planning a group trip, you can save even more money by using a travel agency. Some travel agencies are affiliated with major travel consortiums like Virtuoso, Travel Leaders Network, Ensemble Travel Group and Signature Travel Network.

Booking with a last-minute consolidator

Booking with a last-minute consolidator is a great way to save money on airfare. These consolidators negotiate with airlines to purchase seats on flights for 20 percent to 80 percent off of the published fare. This is a tremendous bargain for consumers, as many of these tickets don’t require advance purchase and don’t require Saturday night stays. Also, consolidators can help you plan your trip more precisely, because they often sell confirmed seats several months in advance.

While booking last-minute is often the most cost-effective way to travel, it can be risky. You may end up with a ticket that is not available or miss out on an excellent deal. Booking in advance will ensure you get the flight and hotel of your choice. Booking in advance also gives you a wider selection of flights and hotels.