After World War II, the American hotel industry exploded with unprecedented growth. This three-decade economic boom increased the incidence of commercial travel, drove incomes skyward, and made the hotel industry an important domestic political terrain. Meanwhile, the success of organized labor helped spread wealth more evenly. The interstate highway system and reliable passenger aircraft also made travel easier. As a result, the hotel industry grew to become one of the largest employers in the country, with nearly eight million employees.
Cost
The cost of traveling and hotels has increased dramatically in recent years, in part because of higher labor and supply costs, but also because of higher consumer demand. In March, prices for flights and hotels rose 11.7%, and this trend shows that consumers are willing to spend more for a more luxurious experience. Nevertheless, travelers can try to lower the cost of traveling by choosing Airbnb, hostels, or booking their accommodations in advance.
In the past, a decent hotel room could cost $20, but nowadays, a decent room can cost upwards of $200. The rising cost of gas has caused hotels to raise their prices in an effort to compete for travelers’ business. More travelers are also spending more money on hotel stays and meals, which means higher prices for these items.
Location
Location is a very important factor when traveling and booking hotels. Nearly every activity that we do while traveling is linked to where we are staying. If we have chosen a location in which we will be spending our vacation, it will be easier for us to plan our activities around it. However, there are some countries where booking hotels on mobile devices is not available yet.
Cancellation policies
Cancellation policies for traveling and hotels vary depending on the type of trip and the specific hotel. Many brands and properties have varying cancellation policies, and some are more flexible than others. It’s important to read the hotel’s website to learn about the specific policy. For example, in some cities, cancellation policies are as low as 24 hours, and in others, you have to wait 72 hours before your booking is canceled.
Most major hotel chains have made it easy to cancel your reservations by limiting cancellation penalties to one day. However, some hosts and properties have been modifying their policies to give guests more flexibility. The cancellation policy of VRBO, for example, allows you to cancel your stay up to seven days before your check-in date. VRBO hosts also set their own cancellation policies, and VRBO hosts are encouraged to offer flexible credits to their house guests.
