Road Trips on the Rise: Why Choosing the Right Hotel Matters More Than Ever
Road Trips on the Rise: Why Choosing the Right Hotel Matters More Than Ever
As economies around the globe continue to re-open and work toward recovery, growing numbers of travelers, many of whom have spent months stuck at home, need a change of scenery and want to get away. The challenge: doing so safely. Enter the return of the great American road trip.
For generations, road trips have been symbolic of the annual family vacation and now, amid the backdrop of a pandemic and continuously low gas prices, their popularity is once again on the rise. Whether it’s taking in the sights along iconic Route 66, marveling in a visit to Yellowstone or exploring the coastal towns of New England, road trips make it easy for families to getaway while maintaining control over their ability to social distance and follow other recommended guidelines.
Paramount to any great road trip is having a great place to stay, which is why today, choosing the right hotel is more important than ever—both for you and for your clients. Before making your next booking, be sure to consider these three key areas:
- Health and Safety
Travelers today want to know that their hotel is going above and beyond to put their health and safety first. Take time to understand the steps being taken, including what is required versus what is recommended. Is the hotel using hospital grade, EPA-approved disinfectants? Are masks required in indoor public spaces? Have lobbies and other social spaces been re-configured, enabling social distancing? Do guests receive extra amenities like hand-sanitizer and disinfecting wipes at check-in? These are the questions travelers care about most.
- Amenities and Availability
Road trips are about the journey, the experiences you have along the way. As a result, they typically require multiple nights and multiple hotels. Look for brands, or portfolios of brands, and focus on the amenities that are really needed. If all your client wants is a place to rest their head for the night so they can hit the road the next morning, a comfy bed and easy highway access is likely higher on the priority list than having access to tennis courts, a golf course or other offerings typically associated with large resorts. Another tip: Be mindful of availability. Most hotels off the major highways are open and welcoming guests while larger resorts may be still be closed or operating in a limited capacity.
- Perks for Travel Advisors
Planning the perfect road trip takes time and insight. As a travel advisor, you deserve to be recognized by the hotel companies with whom you work. How big are their commission rates for advisors? Do they offer a discount on client bookings? What about personal bookings for advisors? How strong is their loyalty program and do they offer training and educational opportunities?
Travel is about making memories that last a lifetime. With the above tips, your clients are sure to do just that—all while staying safe and being rewarded along the way.
FROM THE SPONSOR:
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest hotel franchising company by number of properties, with over 9,000 hotels across 90 countries. From major cities to small towns, beachfront resorts to hotels just off the highway, our 20 brands are built for the everyday traveler and help make hotel travel possible for all. Plus, with great service, the number one hotel rewards program according to readers of USA TODAY, and elevated health and safety protocols, you can Count on UsSM for a peace of mind and rewarding stay. More than 99% of all Wyndham hotels in the U.S. are open and welcoming guests—with flexible cancellation and attrition. Travel advisors receive a 10 percent commission plus 40 percent off on personal travel. Learn more about Wyndham’s brands and gain actionable insight on how to sell in key markets by completing our Wyndham Wise online training course. When you do, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a US$50 Travel Agent University gift card. Learn more at www.wyndhamhotels.com/traveladvisors.
