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Preparing for 2010 Travel
December 17th, 2009

As we head towards 2010, the travel industry is full of hope and suggestions – great values in the upcoming months, “hot” destinations ready to take on visitors and three major world events – Winter Olympics, World Cup and Omeramagau – all taking place in 2010. Many people chose to forego their travel plans the past year or two in an effort to save money in a troubled economy, and are now feeling quite restless. Travel has us all revved up and ready to go, but how can you actually prepare for travel in 2010? When do you start, where do you go and what steps do you take to get planning?

1. Begin your planning early. This is the most important step. People are starting to emerge out from under the recession blanket, and this means that as the year progresses, hotels, cruises and tour companies may may not eventually have to go to such lengths to entice customers. While there are still great values to be had, as more people begin to travel, space becomes more of a premium which, means prices rise.

2. Determine your time frame, taking into account the events above. If you plan to visit South Africa, for example, avoid June and July. Airfare is are already up to approximately $2200 per person for this time period, and can be much more affordable other times of the year. In addition, choosing the off season for any destination will almost always result in lower rates.

3. Browse the “where to go” lists to spark some ideas – you may come across a destination you would not have otherwise thought of. On the flip side, if something is on every hot list, you may be competing with everyone and their brother for flights and accommodations so look for those emerging destinations that still may not be overcrowded.

4. Talk to your travel planner about potential hot spots for 2011! Yes, we do have ideas of where these might be, even in the end of 2009. Being ahead of the game means you experience these destinations before tourism hits them full force, and generally ensures a more authentic experience. Plus they will probably be less expensive.

5. Think about themed or niche travel. Are you particularly interested in history and architecture? Would you love a wine and cooking vacation? Have you considered a river cruise through the towns along the Rhine or Danube? Perhaps you want something adventure-based? Themed or niche travel can help you make the most out of your vacation and is ideal for creating a customized trip that truly fits you.

6. Focus on value. Value is very different than price, and can make a world of difference (pun only slightly intended) in your trip. Price focused means getting the lowest rates possible, regardless of service, amenities, customization, etc. Value-focused means “getting the best bang for your buck”. This focuses on incorporating the features and customization that you want, plus some you may not have even thought of that are already included, therefore fully making your experience worth the cost.