Travel Costs are Dropping.....

I read the following article today, and I concur. I have seen some great rates out there. For instance, the Silverado Resort in Napa is advertising rates starting at $150 per night for various times. This is an amazing rate for a 5 star resort. So, if you haven't been to Napa, this could be the time to go!

Travel costs dropping as economy squeezes spending
By VICKI LEE PARKER - McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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.

Orbits cuts costs.....what does this mean for agents?

I read the below article. With companies like expedia and orbitz cutting expenses, does this mean service will continue to decline? I think the online research tools are great, and should be used. However, I still believe if you want service, you need to use an agent that you can trust and depend on. We can be a big help when problems arise. We can provide great service and knowledge, and we can be reached easily!....a real live person. LOL.

Happy Travels, Amy

TECHNOLOGY JANUARY 7, 2009, 8:02 A.M. ET Orbitz Names Harford CEO, Plans More Cost Cuts Article

Orbitz Worldwide Inc. appointed Barney Harford president and chief executive, replacing Steve Barnhart, who retired to pursue other interests.

The online travel agent on Wednesday also said it would cut another $20 million to $25 million in annual costs, on top of the $20 million announced in November, but didn't provide further details.

November's announcement included a 10% work force reduction as Orbitz saw results falling short of long-term targets because of a global travel slowdown.

Mr. Harford worked at rival online travel company Expedia Inc. from 1999 to 2006, developing the company's air, car, private label and telesales businesses, and most recently led the company's entry into the Asian-Pacific region, Chairman Jeff Clarke said. For the past two years he has served on boards and as an adviser to Internet companies in the travel industry and other markets.

Mr. Barnhart joined Orbitz in 2003 and was part of the team that took the company public later that year. Orbitz was subsequently acquired and again became a publicly traded entity in 2007 after being acquired a second time. Mr. Barnhart became Orbitz's president in late 2006 and CEO in 2007.

Travel firms have seen slumping demand the past several months as consumer confidence hit record lows and discretionary spending falls.

Orbitz's shares closed Tuesday at $4.12 and haven't traded premarket. The stock is up 32% in the last month but is still down 46% for the past year.

Saving Money on Travel - 5 ways

The travel agency Travel Leaders (formerly CarsonWaglit) has come out with its annual travel agent survey of trends.

The top ways leisure travelers are saving money:

1. Flexible with dates 75.7%
Availability can make fares change significantly. Always let us know if the dates are flexible.

2. Staying at all-inclusives 71.0%
Some are great. I used to not be a fan, but they have significantly improved over the years, and there are some really high end ones. Great when you have kids!


3. Using frequent flyers miles 63.5%
Let us see if your miles will work. Then, you are just paying for transportation, food, and hotel. Aifare can be a major portion of the overall cost.

4. Taking a cruise 56.3%
Not a cruiser, but great value for themoney.

5. Booking only if promotion/deal 50.9%
The promotions are out there. Ask me, I will find them!

Happy Travels!