The Traveling and hotels industries are closely linked, as most long-distance travelers will require some form of lodging for an overnight stay or several nights. People’s accommodation requirements can vary considerably depending on the type of trip they are taking, their budget and their personal preferences.
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the travel industry in a number of ways, with many restaurants and hotels reporting that they have been forced to close while airlines have had to cut their flight capacities by up to 90 percent. This has caused substantial revenue losses and exacerbated the challenges faced by already weakened businesses in the industry.
There is a wide variety of lodging options available for those who are traveling for business or leisure, from hotels to motels and from luxury resorts to home rentals. Each type of property has its own unique appeal, and each offers a different travel experience.
One of the most popular options is to rent a vacation rental, which can provide guests with a more private and homey environment than a hotel, while also saving money. Travel experts often recommend checking online rental sites and comparing prices to find the best deal.
Another option is to book a hotel, which generally offers more amenities than a motel. Hotels will offer a restaurant, exercise rooms and other conveniences that are usually not available at a motel. Hotels are also typically more expensive than motels, but you may be able to save money by booking at certain times of the week or in off-season.
Some hotel chains specialize in specific types of accommodations, and some cater to certain demographics. For example, the Wyndham chain includes brands such as La Quinta, Ramada and Days Inn, which are geared to those who prefer a more Spartan environment, while other hotel chains, like Marriott and Hilton, are more likely to have a higher level of service for more upscale travelers.
If you are a frequent traveler, it’s a good idea to sign up for a hotel chain loyalty program. This will allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for free stays and other benefits. Many of these programs have mobile apps that allow you to check prices on the go and even track prices over time, making them a valuable tool in your travel arsenal.
Many travel agencies and online sites also offer bundled deals on airfare, lodging and car rental. For example, United Vacations and Southwest Vacations are well known for their bundled offerings, while daily deal sites like Groupon Getaways and LivingSocial Escapes also offer these types of bargains. It’s important to remember that many of these bundled trips will be a bit more restrictive than simply booking your flights and accommodations separately, but they can still be an excellent value for the price. In addition, many credit cards and shopping portals offer their own offers that can be combined with hotel discounts for even more savings.