The relationship between traveling and hotels dates back centuries, but grew exponentially after World War II. The postwar economic expansion pushed commercial travel to record highs, and the growth of organized labor and the interstate highway system fueled the expansion of the hotel industry. In addition, the hotel industry became a key battleground in domestic politics. Today, hotels play a pivotal role in connecting travelers to destinations and activities.
Booking a hotel ahead of time is a great way to save money. Not only can you ensure the exact room you want, you’ll also be sure to get the best rate. Booking ahead also gives you time to research a destination’s attractions and events. You may want to know if there’s a summer festival in town or if you’ll be able to walk to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Location is perhaps the most important factor when choosing a hotel. The location of a hotel will determine how easily you can get to your destination. Choose a hotel located in a central location to minimize travel time. Alternatively, choose a hotel in the suburbs or small villages near your destination to avoid the traffic in the city center. You’ll also want to look for the proximity of public transportation to make it easy to travel between sites.
Cancellation policies vary from hotel to hotel, but you can usually cancel your reservation free of charge if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. Some cancellation policies are only partially refundable while others are full refunds. It’s important to read the cancellation policy carefully, and to keep copies of all correspondence. Also, you should consider purchasing travel insurance, which covers cancellation policies in cases of force majeure.