The number of Americans planning vacations has risen, despite the gloomy economy. But it’s also made travel more expensive than a year ago. Airfares alone are up by an average of 20%, according to a new survey from the app Hopper. That’s causing some travelers to postpone trips and others to scale back on their plans, especially for foreign destinations.

Choosing the right lodgings is key to keeping costs down, says one travel expert. Being flexible with your destination and accommodation options can also help you save money. For example, instead of Paris, consider another region in France that may cost half as much, she says. Or, a hotel in a less affluent neighbourhood might be cheaper than one in a cosmopolitan business district.

There are many different kinds of hotels, ranging from inexpensive bed-and-breakfasts to luxury resorts with spa amenities and restaurants. They are typically located in urban areas near airports or major tourist attractions. They usually provide meals and other services to guests, such as concierges, front desk staff, housekeeping, valets and chefs. Some hotels offer meeting rooms and other facilities for events, such as weddings or company anniversaries.

Hotel chains operate their own hotels, and they also act as intermediaries, offering rooms to their own customers and others through booking websites and other channels. Airlines, railways and ferry operators often work with hotel chains to provide their passengers and clients with the option to stay at a hotel.

When choosing a hotel, it is important to check its reputation and customer service reviews. The best way to do this is by reading online reviews. You can also ask friends or family members who have stayed at the hotel for their recommendations.

It’s also a good idea to choose a hotel with a 24-hour reception. This will allow you to ask questions about local events and attractions if necessary, and to get help in case something goes wrong during your stay. Some hotels also have a free mobile phone app that allows you to connect to the internet while you’re in your room, so that you can keep up with emails and messages.

The main difference between a hotel and a motel is that hotels usually have more staff on hand to provide you with assistance. They have people working in a variety of roles, including concierges, bellhops, porters, valets, chefs, housekeepers, laundry staff and receptionists. Small motels, on the other hand, don’t have a large amount of staff and will have some people performing multiple functions. For example, a motel’s receptionist may also be the person who cleans the rooms. Moreover, motels have smaller footprints than hotels, so they don’t need as many common areas.