Traveling and hotels are two of the many important sectors that make up the hospitality industry. These industries are large service industries worldwide that provide a variety of goods and services to travelers, tourists, and other customers who are visiting or staying at locations for a short period of time.
The lodging industry consists of a wide variety of businesses that offer accommodations to travelers, including hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Choosing the right type of lodging for your travels depends on your needs and preferences, your budget, and the experience you want to have while away from home.
Hotel and lodging prices fluctuate, and savvy consumers can save big by keeping tabs on pricing trends. Also, by booking directly through a hotel chain’s website (or even on an OTA), you can avoid the “middle man” and cut out some of the markup that often occurs with third-party sites.
It’s also worth considering joining a hotel loyalty program. While these programs are designed primarily for frequent travelers, they can also deliver major perks to occasional guests. For example, some hotels will give you a room upgrade or free meals or snacks just for being a loyal guest. And they can sometimes help you save on airfare, car rental, and other trip essentials by offering bundled deals. And if you’re a business traveler, participating in a hotel’s loyalty program can earn you access to corporate rates that are even lower than those published on an OTA.