The travel industry is booming and hotels are the foundation of the hospitality sector. From opulent and iconic grand hotels, to quirky and cool-minded boutiques, picturesque inns straight out of a storybook, all-inclusive beachside resorts, and everything in between, there’s a hotel out there to meet every taste and budget.
Inflation in the broader economy is driving higher costs for all parts of travel, including airfares, hotels and rental cars, which in turn are passed along to travelers. Currently, nightly rates in the U.S. are at record highs, according to Hopper data.
People are spending more on hotel rooms for a variety of reasons, from business travel to family vacations. This is making it harder to stretch your travel budget but there are some ways to do it.
One of the best ways to save money on a hotel stay is to book a room that’s not located in a major tourist destination. In addition to saving on the price of a room, you can often find discounted deals on meals and attractions. Another way to save on a hotel is to choose a room with an extra bed. If you’re traveling with someone else, this can be a great way to split the cost of a room while still enjoying all the amenities a hotel has to offer.
For those on a tight budget, lodgings like hostels offer a much more affordable option than hotels. These accommodations are meant to be social places with different spaces for meeting fellow guests, such as communal kitchens, rooftop/in-house bars and swimming pools. Some hostels even have organized tours and pub-crawls to help guests get to know the area better. Despite the decline in popularity, hostels remain an excellent accommodation choice for travellers on a budget.
If you’re traveling with a group, family or kids, hotels are the most popular choice for accommodation. They provide optimum security and safety for all travellers, plus a range of facilities for kids and families like playrooms, pools and kid-friendly restaurants. Airbnb is an alternative to hotels for families and groups and offers the flexibility of renting a whole home or apartment instead of just a single room.
Traveling has a number of mental and physical health benefits. For example, it is known that traveling boosts the immune system and creates stronger antibodies, which can reduce your risk of infection and illness. It also improves reaction time and overall energy levels, as well as providing a sense of purpose, meaning and happiness. In fact, research suggests that women who travel at least twice a year are less likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Taking trains is another option for those looking to avoid expensive hotels. Sleeper trains are comfortable, affordable and convenient and can be a great way to experience the local culture while getting some rest on your trip. However, be sure to research the route and accommodation options carefully.