April is a slow month for travel. Sadly, international travel will not begin again until 2020, and domestic tourism will take priority. Too many people are worried about the situation in their own countries. While international travel is down, hotels are suffering more than other businesses. Since hotels employ a large number of people, they must remain agile and keep the cash flow flowing. Here are some tips for staying safe on your travels. If you’re a first-time traveler, you may want to book a Guesthouse or Bed and Breakfast in advance.
Guesthouses
If you’re not sure what to look for when traveling and booking hotels, try Guesthouses instead. Guesthouses are generally less commercial and structured than hotels, and the rules for staying in one aren’t as strict. Because of this, they’re ideal for travelers who want a less regimented environment. Most guest houses are family-run, and the hosts may handle many of the duties themselves. They may also use eggs from their own chickens and vegetables from their garden, and water from a spring.
Bed and Breakfasts
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve likely heard of Bed and Breakfasts. These charming establishments offer a more intimate setting and personalized experience than traditional hotels. Many even offer amenities like Wi-Fi and discounts at local attractions. Some even have 24-hour tea service and swimming pools. Here are some reasons to stay at a bed and breakfast instead of a hotel:
Booking online
Online travel agents are a vital part of the marketing mix. They function as a major distribution channel and take a commission when guests book through their platforms. To maximize their value, hoteliers must optimize their hotel listings and maximize their presence on OTAs. Here’s how to do just that. Start by reviewing your customer profile. If you’re a frequent traveler, you may already have some of the basic information needed to complete a reservation.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policies vary among providers, but they generally cover most cancellation situations. Minor changes may not be subject to charges; however, you may incur costs from third parties. The earlier you cancel, the less likely you’ll be able to recover cancellation charges. In some cases, you may have to pay cancellation fees even if the change is only a day or two out. If you must make changes closer to the date of departure, check with your provider’s cancellation policy.
Plug-ins
If you own a WordPress-based travel or hotel site, you might be interested in a few plug-ins that will make your job easier. Jetpack is one such plugin that will give you more options than you can imagine. Among these are customizable rates, multi-currency support, and online payments. You can also set rates based on season or day of the week. This article will introduce you to a few other useful plug-ins.
Price
Inflation and pent-up demand have caused travel prices to skyrocket. But hotels and airfares aren’t the only costs soaring. Gasoline prices have skyrocketed as well. The national average is now $3.13 – nearly four percent higher than a year ago. Rental car prices have risen 110% since the pandemic, and hotel prices have jumped nearly 70 percent since they were at pre-pandemic levels.