April is traditionally a slow month for international travel. This trend is expected to reverse by 2020, but in the meantime, domestic trips will take precedence. Because people are too preoccupied with their home countries to take a long trip, hotels will not be as full as they would normally be. As a result, travelers on a tight budget will want to look into Airbnbs and hostels instead.
Cancellation policies
Cancellation policies are a big consideration for travel and hotel reservations. Some hotels have policies that require full payment for your stay if you do not cancel within a specified period. Others may impose a minimum stay requirement, such as during peak travel periods or special events. In any case, you must be sure to read the cancellation policy carefully to avoid any surprises.
Most hotels require 24 hours notice for cancellations, though some may have longer notice periods. Some hotels adopted more flexible cancellation policies in the wake of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, which disrupted travel plans around the world. However, these policies have since reverted to previous practices. Some North American hotels allow cancellations for no fee, while others offer credit vouchers that must be used within 18 months of the original booking date.
Alternative accommodations to hotels
Alternative accommodations to hotels when traveling are a growing segment of the travel industry. The industry is worth over $60 billion and has a growing consumer base. Travel enthusiasts are increasingly looking for safe alternatives to hotels. Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, and other providers are growing in popularity. In the last few years, the market has seen unprecedented growth.
If you don’t mind spending a little more, alternative accommodations can be a great way to save money. For instance, you can try couchsurfing, camping, or staying in a friend’s house. This is an excellent alternative to hotels, as your friend will not charge you for using their space. You may also try a guesthouse or an apartment rental. All these options will help you save money while traveling.
Discounts for employees
There are several ways to get discounts for employees when traveling and staying at hotels. These discounts can be in the form of a percentage off of the room rate or a free night’s stay. To use the discount, you will need to present your company ID or a special code to the hotel when you check in.
You can also look into the employee rate travel program from American Airlines. This program offers employees a 50% discount on hotel rates. It also offers employees the ability to add up to ten friends and enjoy a discount. The program is supported by the International Society of Hotel Associations (ISHA) and other United States-based lodging associations. The purpose of the program is to boost the lodging industry and encourage employee retention. Participating hotels contribute a portion of their inventory to the program.
Cancellation policies in case of COVID-19 virus outbreak
A COVID-19 virus outbreak has left a wake of disruption across the European Union (EU). Many countries have implemented travel and cancellation restrictions to contain the virus. The outbreak has forced millions of consumers to cancel or modify their travel plans. Some public events have been cancelled.
For travelers wishing to avoid the effects of the virus, many hotels and short-term rental services are adjusting their cancellation policies. Airbnb, for instance, has introduced a six-tier cancellation policy. In addition, it has implemented an “Extenuating Circumstances” policy, which covers worldwide travel cancellations caused by the coronavirus pandemic. And, VRBO, another popular short-term rental service, has rolled out a special COVID-19-specific cancellation policy.
Booking through online travel agencies
Online travel agencies have transformed the way consumers book their travel. They have also changed expectations and business models, forcing travel companies to adapt. These companies account for approximately 39% of all digital bookings in the U.S. and are a powerful marketing tool for hotels. In fact, OTAs have become the top source of online bookings in the travel industry.
Online Travel Agencies offer many benefits for both hotels and consumers. First, they allow travelers to book hotels with complete confidence. Many travelers lack the language skills or expertise to market their own hotel rooms, so using an OTA is an excellent way to avoid these problems. In addition, hotels only pay the agency when they receive payment from their guest.