Travel planners expecting to fly somewhere for their summer vacations should allot more of their travel budget towards air fare. Travel experts at Bing are estimating an average 22 percent increase in the cost of airplane tickets. Those luxury vacations in Tuscany villas or 5-star hotels in Paris are an expected expense, of course. Keeping in mind that air fares will go up is something that the upscale traveler will need to do while determining their trips abroad.
Joel Grus, the Fareologist at search engine Bing, predicts (April 22, 2010) that summer flights to Europe will be more expensive; prices have already risen 29% from last year at this time, and the cost of airplane tickets usually continues to increase as summer nears. Domestic air fare, within the United States, is also expected to rise. The romantic luxury trip to Napa Valley may have to wait. The US economy's recession has affected luxury travel as well as more budget-minded types of vacations, of course; Joel Grus says "oil prices could still rise going into the summer...[and] don't forget about luggage fees, which can increase a family's trip cost by hundreds of dollars." Now, the travel experts relay that domestic and international air fares were atypically low last summer, so what's being seen is a return to normal. However, the "new normal" is still felt in travelers' wallets as a net increase.
Luxury Travel Tips for Finding More Affordable Air Travel
- Check the websites that aggregate travel packages and airline deals, such as Kayak, Priceline, and Expedia. Expedia is the leader in packaging together more affordable vacations, including at luxury resorts and destinations.
- For international flights, research the costs of flying to smaller European airports, and low cost airlines. One caveat: Ryanair, Ireland's budget airline, will be charging passengers to use the lavatory! Talk about nickel-and-diming.
- Only Spirit Airlines charges for carry-on luggage. For flights on other airlines, attempt to pack as much into carry-on bags as is sensible. Otherwise, those checked luggage fees will add to the overall cost of a vacation.
- For travelers set on summer vacations in already-determined destinations, book air travel now. Sooner is almost always better than later for ticket prices during the summer months.
Luxury Travel Tips for Finding Hotel Deals
- Do not settle for the "rack rate." That is, whatever the quoted cost of the hotel room or suite is, isn't necessarily the final price. There are often discounts for members of AAA, students and seniors. A direct phone call may elucidate any other unadvertised savings.
- Many hotels are offering discounts and travel packages in attempts to lure travelers to their particular accommodations. Online research is strongly recommended, as many deals are available only through hotel websites.
- Summer is absolutely not a shoulder season for travel. If work schedules allow for waiting until after the peak travel season passes, there will usually be a lower room rate at any given hotel or resort. Ask if midweek room rates are less expensive, too.
- A luxury vacation with children is easier, as well as more affordable, with a stay at a hotel that has in-room kitchenettes. Better yet, reserving a condo or home at the upscale destination lets kids have more room, and parents will find that it's a relief to have simple breakfasts in the condo kitchenettes rather than dining out for all three meals.
Summer is a great season for luxury vacations in Europe and upscale regions of North America. Don't let the increased air fares lead to canceling what would otherwise be a memorable trip.
Jennifer W. Miner - Jennifer has years of travel writing experience, spoken at several national conferences, and more. See Jendeavor.com for more details.
