January 16 2009 Page 4
Features, Weather, Sports, ExchangeThe Almost Twice Weekly Newspaper for the Jaltemba Coast
Travel Costs
Dropping as Economy Squeezes Spending
Vicki Lee Parker - McClatchy-Tribune News
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If you are planning on taking your family on a vacation this year, think
big. In fact, think about finally going on that dream vacation that you
have long wished for. Chances are you will be able to afford it.
I talked with several travel agents who say they are seeing travel
discounts and perks in record amounts. The deals include the high-end
packages such as luxury Mexican resorts, European vacations and Alaskan
cruises.
"For people who feel secure in their jobs and can afford it, there are
some great deals throughout the summer time," says Stuart Carroll, owner
of Carroll Travel in Washington, D.C.
Tom Crosby, a spokesman for AAA Carolinas, says the economy has hurt
some popular tourist spots. A number of the bigger resorts are no longer
getting the same volume of convention business, so they have extra beds
to fill, he says.
Crosby says he is seeing discounts across the board. "You can save 25
percent to 40 percent on cruises, 10 percent to 15 percent on hotels and
10 to 25 percent on package tours," he says.
Darcy Grimes, manager for travel marketing for AAA Carolinas, says that
in 2007 she was booking seven-night Alaska cruises on Holland America
Line from $799 per person. Now she's booking the same cruise for as low
as $499.
Similarly, in 2007 a five-night Western Caribbean cruise rate was $599
per person. Grimes found the same cruise last week starting at $249 per
person.
In addition to the lower rates, Grimes says that cruise lines are
offering additional bonuses to help stimulate sales.
"Most have cut out the fuel supplement charge, and others are offering
reduced deposits or onboard credits if consumers book by a certain date.
Grimes is finding similar deals for European trips. Because the dollar
has strengthened against the euro, she is seeing up to a 100 percent
savings on hotel stays.
"If the room cost you $200 a night last year, it will probably cost $100
this year," she says.
Carroll of Carroll Travel says he has booked people at The Royal in
Cancun for as little as $800 a week. That's about a 50 percent savings,
he says.
"Hotel rooms are a perishable thing," Carroll notes. "Once the night
goes, they can never sell it again."
To fill those rooms, hotels are also offering other specials. Some are
waiving the minimum night requirement. Others are offering an extra free
night if you stay a certain number of nights.
Some resorts are lowering the down payment and offering air credits and
meal credits.
There is one caveat though: Finding a flight to your dream vacation site
may be challenging. A number of airlines, in an effort to reduce
expenses, have decreased the number of flights they are offering to
certain areas. So book early.
Here are some other tips to help secure great vacation deals:
Use a travel agent. Agents can check several deals at once and it
doesn't cost you anything.
Check cruise lines two weeks before departure date. Some cruises will
offer last-minute deals.
Ask about travel insurance. This will protect you in case there are
changes in your travel plans or your financial circumstances.
(Vicki Lee Parker can be reached at vickileeparker(at)gmail.com)
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