blog post

The other day I was at the Richardson Trade Show, and someone commented on how the travel business must be down right now and she wasn't planning any trips.   I politely explained that because cruising is still the best vacation value, the ships go out full every week, but she got me to wondering -- what planet did she visit on her last trip?!?

Here on planet Earth, the airplanes are full, there are long lines for everything, hotels are sold out, you can't get in a restaurant, if you wait too long to book a car rental you get stuck with a hideous gas-guzzler, there are more kids, luggage, strollers and car seats all over the place, no parking spaces open anywhere, and barely room to lay out a towel at the beach! 

And I don't believe the airlines would be busy conjuring up every kind of stupid luggage fee they could think of if they were having trouble filling those seats.

My eyes could be lying, but it looks to me like MORE people are travelling, not fewer.   Mostly, I have to face disappointment with clients who do want to go somewhere but  things are sold out, especially if they have waited too long to book.  Cruises, tours, fly-and-stay packages, air seats, hotels -- everything. 

The good news is -- FALL!  Availability and prices look better than ever after Labor Day.  Except for Thanksgiving, you can get about anywhere between September and Christmas for a great price, so people are going!  Maybe they've just had to push their travel plans back a month or two -- but they are not staying home.

Personally, I am very excited about prospects for Fall travel to Europe.  As an example, just this week Carnival announced an air-inclusive sale.  A couple can get a 12-night Mediterranean cruise for under $5,000 TOTAL.  Celebrity and Azamara have some lovely offers with air, too, and Holland America has really slashed the prices for kids.

So anyway, if negative news is getting you down -- no worries!  There are still good deals, lots of ways to beat the "dollars-to-euros" problem, and I can help with tips and guidance in getting the most for your money.  So don't stay home -- call me up and let's plan a trip!