Traveling and hotels are pricier than ever amid pent-up demand following years of shelving trips during the pandemic, but price-conscious travelers can still find deals and save on a trip, travel experts say. It may mean staying flexible and planning well ahead of time. In some cases, travelers can score deals with benefits offered by travel and hotel associations unavailable to the general public. Some examples include free breakfast and upgrades at high-end hotels such as the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay and a $100 spa credit at the Sonoma Mission Inn. Travel and hotel managers also can negotiate rates on behalf of their clients that are not available to the general public, such as a room rate discount or a free dinner.
Another way to keep a trip affordable is to consider a different destination or region of a country, Markovich says. For example, visiting Normandy or another region of France could cost less than a trip to Paris and yield an equally rewarding experience. She also advises business travelers to consider Airbnb, which is typically less expensive than hotels and offers a more homey and personal accommodation. It is important to understand cancellation policies and know what you’re getting into, she adds.
Travel and tourism is a large service industry worldwide that includes hotels, cruise lines, airlines and more. This industry was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is gradually recovering and has an opportunity to be a major contributor to economic growth in many countries around the world.