Traveling and Hotels – What is the Travel Industry?
The travel industry is one of the largest service industries in the world. It is centered on the movement of people from one place to another, and it is closely linked to the hotel and hospitality industries.
Oftentimes, you’ll find hotels and airlines offering bundled hotel-and-flight vacation packages. This is because these companies are able to purchase flights and hotel rooms in bulk at a discounted rate, which they then pass on to you as a package deal. However, if you’re flexible with your dates and willing to search for more affordable options, you can sometimes still save money by booking these items separately.
Some travelers prefer to stay in hostels, which are a type of shared accommodation. These range from small “mom-and-pop” joints with a handful of rooms to large resorts. Some are very quiet, while others can get rowdy and chaotic. The benefits of choosing a hostel for your lodging are that you typically can stay in an inexpensive location with fellow travelers and have access to communal kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces.
Another popular form of travel accommodation is renting a local apartment through websites like Airbnb. Many times, these accommodations are less expensive than a hotel and allow you to feel more immersed in the culture of the city or region that you’re visiting. You can also rent whole homes or condos, and many of these rentals offer services such as cleaning, security, or a concierge to assist with your stay.
In addition to hotel, hostel, and homestay accommodation, the travel industry includes businesses that cater to other types of accommodations, such as campgrounds, camping gear stores, and restaurants that serve outdoor meals. Some businesses in this category are more supplementary to other areas of the industry, but they are also important to keep people entertained and well-fed on their travels.
Lastly, there are companies in the travel industry that specialize in event planning, which is when you put together corporate meetings, fundraisers, trade shows, weddings, and other events for clients. If you enjoy putting together these events, UNOH’s Travel and Hotel Management program offers courses that teach the skills you need to succeed in this field.
One of the most significant sectors in the travel industry is online booking sites. These websites are a great way to research destinations and book travel arrangements, and they can be extremely helpful when you’re trying to keep your costs down. Some of the more popular sites include Expedia, Kayak, and Skyscanner.
When it comes to booking through a third-party site, be sure that the company you choose has an excellent customer support team. This will ensure that if you have any issues during your trip, you can get those resolved quickly and efficiently. It’s also a good idea to sign up for their loyalty point programs, which can often lead to free or reduced-rate stays after you’ve racked up enough points.