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Memorial Day is here and that means the unofficial start of summer can begin. As school winds down, families will be getting ready for that summer vacation and travelers everywhere are ready to explore a new city, destination, or country.
From beach vacations to adventure travel trips, road trips to backpacking, and cruises to guided tours, people are ready are ready for their summer vacations.
Many experts predict the demand for travel to be up this year. This means busier roadways and airports as people are traveling this summer. While it's great to see so many people traveling again, it's not all good news.
More than ever, people will need to do their homework to save money and avoid travel headaches and unexpected costs. Here are the warnings for traveling this summer and some good news on how to avoid these things as much as possible.
1. Airfares are up - Bad news: A number of factors have caused the price of airfares to increase this summer. Whether you are flying to Europe, South America, or domestically, all the airfares are going up - 30 percent or more. It's simple economics - demand is up and the number of flights are down.
Good news: There are still some great deals to be had and the low cost airlines like Southwest and Jet Blue have some great airfares.
2. Airline fees are up - Bad news: Unfortunately, airfares aren't the only costs of flying that are up. Expect to pay peak day travel fees for summer flights. The five major airlines are incorporating peak day travel fees ranging from $10 to $30 each way for nearly every day of the summer except July 4 (see the airlines, days, and charges for summer travel in the link).
Good news: You can fly off season to avoid these charges (late summer/early Fall) and Southwest and Jet Blue do not charge their customers fees for at least the first checked baggage or peak day travel fees.
3. The highways and airways will be busy - Bad news: One possible reason for airfares being up is the World Cup (it could be one reason international airfares are higher). Airlines and hotels know that many people will be traveling to South Africa so you can expect airports to be busy. After a slow economy hurt travel in 2009, people are ready to travel again as well. Even if you aren't flying, expect the budget conscious and economically challenged travelers to hit the roads meaning busier highways, higher fuel prices, and booked hotel rooms. Patience will be required.
Good news: Careful planning can help you avoid the fees and higher costs. Pack light and pack your patience, know what days to fly to avoid or minimize fees,plan your route, and give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going.
4. Beware of travel delays - Bad news: There are a number of reasons that travel could be delayed this summer. A number of airline strikes are threatened for airlines like British Airways and smaller ones like Spirit Airlines. The key to budget travel is to approach in front. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved vacations and/or going to see new destinations we have never been before, the reality of cost and budgeting is always in the back of our heads. Planning and spending our travel budget properly is a priority for most families. Curbing consuming and expenses, while still savoring your vacation to its fullest, is the key to confirmed success and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thought regarding saving money while travelling is simple: Even if your personal finances is incredibly tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also remembering that while traveling, whether on a finances or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel expenses!. Volcanoes and earthquakes have wreaked havoc in the travel industry the last few months. Other weather events may play a factor in delays as well. Full flights and fewer departures may mean getting bumped or waiting to get re-booked.
Good news: Know your rights! Part of a US airline passengers' bill of rights went into effect in April so know what the rules are. Know the rules on how to avoid getting bumped when your airline overbooks and your flight is full.
5. Frequent flier programs may not be your friend - Bad news:If you have built up those frequent flier miles in anticipation of getting that next free flight, realize that you may be limited in the number of seats available and there will be fees you still have to pay that can add up quickly. Frequent flier programs may hurt travelers and could be a huge benefit to the airlines but a hassle for those who want to use them.
Good news: Some airlines rate really well in their frequent flier programs. Southwest had seat availability for 99% of it's seats in a study done recently. Using your miles isn't impossible but you may need to be flexible.
Memorial Day travel is expected to be up this year according to AAA. Travel this summer should be higher after a dip in 2009. While the news above may seem grim, all hope isn't lost. Here are a few extra tips to help you out in your summer travels:
Book your flight on Tuesday afternoon - Research shows the best time is around 3 pm EST as airlines tend to match the deals that are out there.
Book your flight 2 to 3 months out - While many used to argue 3 weeks was the time for the best deals, that's not the case with seats filling up quickly. Don't book too early or you may miss deals.
Fly off season - Traveling in the spring and fall are cheaper than summer. Even some winter destinations are great - just know which ones (winter travel to Australia is the most expensive deal - it's summer for them). Flying back on a holiday, like July 4, is cheaper as well.
Fly on the right days - Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly and have the lowest peak travel day fees.
Take advantage of your memberships - Many years ago, being a member of AAA or another travel club was a big deal. This may have faded over time but using these can save you money on restaurants and hotels. Whether you drive or fly, use them.
Know the best time to buy - Websites like Bing Travel and and farecompare.com can help give you predictors on when is the best time to buy and whether the flight you are looking for will go up or down in price.
Bargain and be polite - Whether it is a town market, hotel room, or flight, being polite and attempting to bargain can get you a better deal. Believe it or not, many people in the travel industry can help get you out if you ask politely.
While the news for summer travel isn't all good, it is important to be informed when it comes to road trips, airfares, airline fees and surcharges, and finding the best deals. Careful planning and knowing when and where to buy can save you money. You may not always be able to avoid some of the hassles of traveling but knowing this information is a great start.
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