Traveling and hotels are a big part of our lives. In fact, direct spending by domestic and international travelers generates more than $2.3 trillion in economic output every year and supports 1 in 9 American jobs. But the industry has seen its fair share of challenges in recent years as consumers seek more experiential trips and hotels struggle to keep up with demand for unique lodging options, like RVs, private rentals and campsites.

As we continue to see new innovations in travel technology, the future looks bright for those who work in the hospitality industry. These trends may not only enhance the experience for customers but also offer new opportunities for businesses to grow their business.

One of the most important things that travelers can do to save money on their hotel stay is to continuously check rates. Often, hotels will lower their room rates at different times throughout the year to attract guests and fill up their rooms. This can lead to a big savings for you, especially if you’re willing to be flexible with your travel dates and times.

Other ways to save money on hotels include taking advantage of on-site perks and rewards programs. For example, many hotel chains offer free breakfasts to their guests. However, it’s not a good idea to stay too far from tourist attractions and main streets because you’ll end up paying more for transportation. Also, make sure that your hotel has functioning security measures, such as carbon monoxide detectors, fire alarms and fire extinguishers. If any of these items aren’t working, report them to the front desk immediately so they can be repaired or replaced.