A 4.5 percent increase in travel costs in 2008 is just the beginning of the travel headaches predicted in 2008. So what’s a traveler to do? Destination Villas editor, Tori Milan offers survival tips to keep your vacation hassle free.
Ditch the hotel. According to the hospitality industry, hotel rates are predicted to increase by 6% in 2008. Add that hike to the 5% price increase in 2007 and you are looking at paying as much as 11% more for a hotel room in 2008. But that is not where it ends. Hotels are adding hidden costs and surcharges at alarming rates. You can expect to see many more miscellaneous charges such as energy surcharges, convenience fees for using a credit card or making a reservation online.
Try vacation rentals. MSNBC’s columnist Christopher Elliot recommends trying alternative lodging such as vacation rentals, condos, destination villas and home exchange clubs. The value in these accommodations begins with the extra living space, multiple bedrooms, local flavor and special amenities. While you may pay a departure cleaning fee and security deposit, guests will also enjoy full kitchens, spas, lanai’s/patios and private or shared pools, gas grills and clubhouses. Vacation rental rates will be very competitive in 2008 thanks to the mortgage crisis causing vacation rental homeowners to discount rates and rent more weeks during the year. Guests staying in a vacation rental home can avoid hidden hotel surcharges and taxes without giving up comfort, view or proximity to major attractions.
Look for the smaller, more competitively priced car rental companies.
National car rental companies are adding in more hidden fees, fines,
mandatory insurance, or tricky ways to get you to upgrade. Local and
regional car rental companies often offer better deals. Editor Tori
Milan rented an Suzuki SUV from Advantage Rent a Car at the Denver
Airport and spent only $22/day including taxes and fees, compared to
the average of $65/day with one of the national brands.
Avoid major holidays. Traveling during peak times or major holidays
is not going to be hassle free. Given the recent state of affairs on
the airport runways and on the major highways across America in 2007,
it is fair to say that 2008 will be the same or worse. If you do have
to travel during major holidays we suggest travelers leave a day early,
travel mid-week, book direct flights and always leave a little extra
time for the unexpected.
Take the Train instead of an airplane. Aviod airport hassles and driving headaches by taking Amtrak to your vacation destination. Train travel is gaining momentum as a favored mode of transportation with sales increasing more than 10% since fall 2007. Passengers can book with short notice, cancel with only a 10% penalty and skip long airport delays, poor service and missed connections. Fares are competitive and may be less expensive than driving. Most importantly passengers can relax and enjoy the ride; seats are wider and kids can easily get up to stretch. There are even club car sets with tables for family conversation or board games.