The cost of traveling and hotels is rising fast, driven by rising labor and supply costs as well as a growing demand from consumers. In March, travel prices increased by 8.5 percent while hotel rates rose by 11.7 percent. This trend reflects the fact that consumers are willing to pay more for a better experience.
Cancellation policies
When traveling, it’s important to be aware of any cancellation policies for hotels and travel agencies. These policies may differ greatly depending on the hotel. The best way to determine what your options are is to review the policies with your travel provider. In some cases, cancellation policies may be more flexible than you think.
Most hotels will require at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel your reservation. However, some may require a longer notice. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, hotels revised their cancellation policies, but these have now generally returned to normal conditions. However, some hotels place more importance on flexibility moving forward, offering free changes to bookings or offering credit vouchers for up to 18 months at the same hotel.
Location
Your location is a significant factor in the price of a hotel when you are traveling. Travel websites know this information through cookies and IP address, and use it to present different prices for hotels based on your location. Your mobile device’s GPS feature is another way to determine your location. Some websites even use WiFi tracking to identify your location.
Using a VPN to access the web allows you to block location monitoring. This is especially useful when traveling abroad. When you are looking for a hotel in a foreign country, you do not want to be tracked while you’re in your current location. This will protect your privacy and make it much easier to find the right hotel for your needs.
Booking in advance
Booking hotels in advance when traveling is a great way to save money. By booking in advance, you avoid last-minute rushes and can lock in the best rates. You also get more time to plan your itinerary, so you can check for events or access to the Gaslamp Quarter. Depending on where you’re going, it could save you hundreds of dollars.
The biggest benefit of booking in advance is peace of mind. Arriving at a destination and having to search for a hotel can be stressful and time-consuming. Booking in advance ensures that you have a room when you arrive, allowing you to plan your trip accordingly.
Alternative accommodations
Alternative accommodations are a great way to stay within a tight budget, and are becoming more popular with travelers. They are a great option for business trips, too, as they cost around 40 percent less than upscale hotel options. Alternative accommodations are booming, and are stealing market share from traditional accommodations.
Airbnb, for example, has 5.6 million listings in over 100 countries. If you want to compete with this number, you should target a niche, such as campers, artists, or families who are looking for a lower-priced alternative. A lot of universities also have dorms that they rent out to travelers. This will save you money while visiting a university and exploring the area.