Traveling and hotels are a combination that offers us the opportunity to visit places we have never been before, and it also allows for some relaxation away from our daily life. However, there is a downside to traveling; long airport queues and lonely hotel rooms can be a little stressful, especially if you are away for a few weeks or more.
To combat this, longer-stay hotels are a great option as they are designed to help you feel at home while on the road. They often have amenities like kitchens and living spaces to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Plus, if you are travelling for business, many have meeting facilities and can offer an alternative to the traditional hotel room.
Whether it is an opulent and iconic grand hotel, a boutique inn straight out of a storybook or a unique hostel experience, there are plenty of options out there for every type of traveler. However, finding one that fits your needs and budget is the key to a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Hostels have gained in popularity thanks to services like Airbnb, where travelers can rent a shared space in a local resident’s house. This can range from a single room with a private bathroom to an entire home or apartment. This is typically a cheaper option compared to a hotel, but it is less luxurious and does not come with the benefits of a full-service hotel, like 24 hour customer service or housekeeping.
Another popular option is staying at a bed-and-breakfast. These are usually smaller, with only a few rooms and can range from a countryside cottage to a quaint city centre apartment. They are often cheaper than a hotel but may not include breakfast. For some people, this can be a more authentic experience as they get the chance to see how a local lives and connect with the community.
If you are on a tight budget, then you could try to time your trip for an off-season. This will usually give you a better deal on accommodation, as well as flights. This way, you can avoid busy periods when large festivals or events are taking place and enjoy a more relaxed holiday.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for the travel industry, with many hotels reporting occupancy rates near zero and airlines cutting their flight capacity by 50 percent or more. It is likely to take time for travel and tourism to return to pre-pandemic levels.
In the short term, it will be about a return to normalcy for the industry as a whole, but the pace of travel recovery will vary between segments, such as domestic versus international and business versus leisure trips. The longer-term recovery will be about an accelerated shift in consumption and a move away from buying stuff to buying experiences.