The history of travel and hotels goes back centuries. The modern hotel industry began to boom in the United States after World War II, fueled by surging incomes and the burgeoning of commercial travel. The interstate highway system, organized labor, and other factors contributed to the boom. As travel became easier, hotels became important links between distant locations.

Off-season travel

Traveling off-season is a great way to save money and support local businesses. It helps keep local tour operators, hotels, and restaurants open and hiring. You’ll also save money by avoiding peak travel times, which puts a strain on the local infrastructure. Fuel costs have reached record highs, and more people are driving to their destinations rather than flying.

Booking in advance

Booking hotels in advance when traveling can have several advantages. For one, it can save you money by reducing competition for popular dates, while at the same time giving you plenty of time to plan your itinerary. For example, you may want to know whether the Gaslamp Quarter is accessible to your hotel, or what events are held there during the summer. By making reservations in advance, you can also lock in your desired room. This way, you’ll avoid having to worry about whether the hotel you choose is available when you arrive.

Booking hotels in advance is not only useful, it’s also essential. For example, if you’re traveling with someone who has special needs, it’s absolutely crucial to book a room in advance. This will ensure that you get the best room and the best deal, even if the rate goes up later on. In some cases, it can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a week’s stay.

Cancellation policies

When traveling, it is important to know about cancellation policies. Most hotels require a 24-hour cancellation notice, but some require a longer period. After the COVID-19 crisis, which caused widespread disruption and cancellation of flights, many hotels changed their cancellation policies. While most hotels have reverted to their pre-COVID policies, some are moving towards flexibility. For instance, some hotels in the United States allow guests to make changes to their reservations for free or offer a credit voucher that can be used within 18 months at the same hotel.

When traveling abroad, cancellation policies differ for hotels and Airbnb rentals. If you’ve booked an apartment or house on Airbnb, you can cancel your stay up to 14 days before you arrive. Cancellation policies at Airbnb and Vrbo vary, and some properties do not allow cancellations during certain periods.

Rewards programs

There are several reasons to participate in rewards programs for travel and hotels. Not only can they offer valuable benefits, but they also encourage loyalty and customer satisfaction. Many hotel chains, for example, work to maintain customer loyalty by offering rewards programs for their customers. These programs often have multiple tiers and different redemption options for members.

Marriott Rewards, for example, is an excellent choice for frequent travelers, as it offers more than 3,000 hotels in 70 countries. Marriott Rewards points can be redeemed for flights and rental cars as well as at participating hotels. However, members should keep in mind that Marriott Rewards points expire after two years. Moreover, if you want to upgrade to higher-tier hotels, you’ll need to build up a large balance of points.