Traveling and hotels have long been associated with each other. Founded centuries ago, hotels served as a vital link between people and places. Following World War II, the hotel industry experienced a boom. The postwar economic expansion sparked an unprecedented increase in commercial travel, and incomes reached record highs. In addition, organized labor and the interstate highway system improved accessibility. As travel became increasingly more convenient, the hotel industry became an important domestic political battleground. Travelers can use price comparison sites to find the best hotels and travel packages. Moreover, they can use filters to refine the results and compare different travel options.
By booking hotels well in advance, travelers can avoid unexpected expenses. Besides ensuring that they get the room they want, booking ahead also helps them plan their itinerary better. For example, if they are visiting San Diego in the summer, they can plan their itinerary around the Gaslamp Quarter and summer events in the city.
Many travel agents work with specific hotels, and they can help travelers find the right hotel or other accommodations as well. These agents can book and reserve your room, and can often arrange transportation to and from the airport. They can also book combined flight and hotel packages, and can hold your reservation for you. They can even handle requests for changes.