While the travel industry does not have common terms for accommodations and amenities, travelers are often surprised by the types of places they find. When it comes to travel terms, hotel chains and travel agencies rarely have a common definition. When looking for an affordable place to stay, travelers should be wary of travel hype words. While they can be helpful in determining your budget, hotel terms have little meaning unless they’re accompanied by an image of a place that is perfect for their needs.
Budgeting
While airlines are usually the largest line item on your travel budget, hotels can be even larger. On average, a hotel in the top 100 U.S. cities costs $180 per night, and hotel rates make up nearly a third of your total travel expenses. When booking your hotel room, consider using reward programs to lower the cost of your hotel. These programs will help you to earn points that can be redeemed for discounts at hotels.
Booking in advance
When traveling, booking hotels in advance is a great idea. In most cases, the earlier you book, the cheaper the rate will be. However, if you don’t have much time to plan, you can always choose to book a last-minute room at a much lower price. That way, you’ll get a much better rate, and save a lot of money in the process. Here are some tips for booking your hotel ahead of time:
Rewards programs
Getting the best returns from customer loyalty rewards programs is not as difficult as you might think. Most programs have multiple tiers that increase your earning power based on how much you spend. These tiers are designed to engage the traveler at multiple touchpoints and build a lifelong connection. They also tie in with brand objectives. The following are some tips to get the most out of your hotel rewards program. To make your program work, you must know how to make it fun for customers.
Getting to know your host
While staying at a hostel, getting to know your host will be an excellent way to get to know the local culture. Ask them about the local cuisine and hangouts, and get a feel for the area. If possible, ask them to take you to the nearby attractions. You can also offer to cover gas and parking fees. Regardless of the mode of transportation, make sure to leave a card or note. Don’t assume everything will go as planned – try to get to know your host!