Traveling is often synonymous with hotels. Whether you’re looking for an opulent and iconic grand hotel, a boutique or hostel experience or a scenic inn that looks like it’s right out of a storybook, the world is your oyster when it comes to lodging.
Traveling can also provide a wealth of new experiences, from learning about foreign culture to trying exotic cuisine and interacting with locals. In addition to being fun, travelling can help you learn new things and improve your overall well-being. For example, research shows that people who take more vacations are less likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome — a combination of risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
As pent-up travel demand resurfaces following easing of pandemic-era restrictions, some aspects of travel are pricier than ever, including hotel rooms. For example, a round-trip airline ticket to Europe costs about 20% more today than at this time last year, according to Hopper data. Those higher prices reflect general inflation pressures on worker wages, property costs and interest payments to businesses that pass those increases on to consumers in the form of higher airfare, hotel rates, rental car fees and dining out.
However, by being flexible and planning ahead, you can find affordable ways to satiate your wanderlust. For instance, booking flights in advance usually yields the best fares. Likewise, signing up for loyalty programs and shopping around for competitive rates can save you money on rooms. Plus, setting daily spending budgets can keep you on track for savings.
