Traveling and hotels are generally associated with accommodation services that cater to tourists. They offer facilities such as hot showers, room service, TV with a wide range of channels and temperature control at the touch of a button.
Many hotel groups have their own sales representatives who regularly visit agencies, often giving them clout within the local marketplace. A reputable agent should be able to leverage these relationships for their customers, Richter says. That might include securing discounts on meals, resort fees or even airfare.
Hotel prices are often based on star ratings that differ from country to country, and which may be influenced by the type of travellers the hotel intends to target. They also vary between budget and luxury hotels. These star ratings are sometimes based on a system devised by external organisations, but in other cases the hotels themselves choose their own classifications and ratings.
There is a lot of evidence that suggests that travelling can be good for you and improve your health. For example, taking vacations reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, a precursor to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, researchers say. In addition, the simple act of leaving home and going somewhere new can lift a person’s mood. Memories of the trip – photos or videos on social media or physical objects like currencies or souvenirs – can trigger positive feelings and memories once back at home too. These are just a few of the health benefits that travel provides.