Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

With many facing job losses or mortgage troubles, a lot more would rather save up and stay home than to travel.

But the U.S. Travel Association or USTA would like to contest and prove some points:

• Tourism and travel is the nation’s 5th largest industry
• International and local travelers consumed $740 billion last 2007 which means $115 billion worth of tax revenue for our governments funds.
• Travel and tourism also gives work for 7.7 million employees and produces $189 billion worth of salary making it one of the top 10 industries in almost every state.
• Travel is also responsible for one of every 8 jobs in the U.S.

Travel does not only do you good but also supports businesses, feed families and funds the $740 billion economic stimulus.

So, the USTA will be conducting the first U.S. Travel Rally Day on Tuesday, May 12 in 36 cities. It is a gathering of travel industry employees like tour guides and drivers, hotel housekeepers and the likes to show the scope of the industry and its contribution to our economy.

Travel expense has decline by 6.7 percent this year which is equivalent to $52.4 billion.

But good things will eventually come. Oil prices are steadying, airfares tickets are becoming cheaper, and travelers will be traveling again. Here are some signs of travel’s recovery:

• Just this February, Americans have driven 215 billion miles. Though it is still a decrease from last year’s, it is the smallest drop for a while.
• National Parks had 43.1 million visitors just early this year, 4 percent more than last year’s.
• Last April, major airlines claim higher load factors meaning demand and capacity is stabilizing. Traffic is still low but at least it is falling in a slower rate.

It may be slow, but the rallying is steady and progressive.

This may be the “new normal” or something closer to the old normal. We might be coming back to enjoying nearby sceneries and having shorter trips to the bay than those extravagant and overly indulging vacations. Families may be coming back to national parks or visiting relatives.

Travel may again mean the old American road trip. Loading up your car, driving to somewhere you can find a breath of fresh air and just a different view. The new normal may be the old normal.

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With the skyrocketing prices of airplane tickets and hotel rooms, most travelers have decided to look for discounted rates over the internet in order to enjoy some savings. Of course, saving money should not only be your concern. You might also want to ensure that you will be able to get to your destination without much hassle.

One of the ways you can avoid such inconveniences is by making sure that you travel during the time when other people are not traveling. This means that instead of flying out on Thanksgiving Day, you might want to consider traveling a couple of days in advance.

Here are some of the advantages of being an early bird:

1. In addition to avoiding huge crowds, long lines and frazzled flight crew, you will also do your relatives or friends who will be picking you up at the airport.
2. If you are worried about filing vacation leaves before the actual holiday, you will find that it would actually be a lot easier to ask permission from your employer since most of the other employees will want to take off during the holiday itself.
3. You will be able to use your frequent flier miles since you will not be concerned about blackout dates, which usually fall on holidays and during peak season.
4. If you are driving to the airport, there is no need for you to worry about being late for your flight since the roads will have less traffic.
5. You have a higher chance of being upgraded to business class and lower chance of being bumped off.
6. You will arrive in a much better mood and you will surely have a better vacation experience.
7. When it comes to airfare and room rates, you will certainly be delighted with the relatively lower quotes. Enjoy more savings by booking weeks in advance.

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• Saving on Airplane Tickets and Other Travel Expenses
• Grab Cheap Tickets As Soon As You See Them
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Ah! After spending most of your life working, your retirement years should be spent in fun and relaxation. Although you can take a vacation anytime of the year, you must consider being practical if you want to stick to your budget. With the Labor Day weekend coming up, you should perhaps consider traveling after this busy holiday is over.

With the cost of travel soaring due to high fuel prices and new surcharges imposed by most airlines, it is very important for you to time your vacation right in order to enjoy the best prices and most amazing vacation deals.

For example, after the Labor Day celebration, it is typical for most hotels to offer discounts since they will no longer be expecting a lot of guests until later in the year. In addition to these hotels, most airlines will also be offering huge discounts on destinations such as the Mexico or Caribbean because seats will no longer be in demand for this season. You will certainly be delighted with the many offers of cheap tickets to these vacation paradises.

When it comes to the weather, you can still expect it to be good. Just make sure that you check the local weather condition in order to maximize your stay.

And of course, you can have a wonderful time in these destinations not only because of the off-peak rates but also because there will be fewer crowds to deal with it. Since most families spend their vacation during the summer months, you can expect a quieter atmosphere anywhere you go – even the airport and on board the plane. There is no waiting in line to get to a good restaurant or visit a local tourist attraction.

If you travel after the Labor Day, you will be surprised at how relaxing your vacation will be. Remember to shop and compare prices for hotel, airfare and car rental services before you book and buy so that you will enjoy much savings!

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