Real Talk About The Increase In The Cost Of Travel

 

Let's have some real talk about the increase in the cost of travel for a couple of minutes. Especially if you haven't planned a trip since 2019.....

Warning: it's a read so grab a drink/snack and let's get to it.

If you've looked at the cost of hotels, flights, rental cars, or even RV parks, you've probably noticed the increase in pricing....... You might have been put in a state of shock or even disbelief as you looked at the price. Maybe even muttered "That can't be right" or "Are they insane?" I mean even Motel 6 is over $100/night in some places??? I get it, trust me I do.

The fact is, the cost of travel (and basically everything else) is up about 13% - 36% from last year depending on the component, time of year, destination, etc. We've kinda been eased into the inflation of everyday items. Yes, we still complain and fondly reminisce of when eggs were less than $2/dozen and you could buy canned veggies for 2/$1, but we almost expect higher prices when we go to the store now because it's part of everyday life right now.

For most Americans, travel is not part of everyday life except for the tanks of gas which give us anxiety every time we go to the pump. If you've decided to take a vacation this year and started looking around, you probably had a major shock as I mentioned above....because you don't look at these prices every day.

I have this conversation several times a week with clients. For those that have booked resorts or cruises without flights over the last few months, I've warned them to keep an eye on flights because flights were forecasted to keep going up. I even started booking flights again inside of certain packages so clients can have a chance to pay out the flights with the resort/hotel. (This has some negatives too, which I also let clients know about.)

A Feb 14, 2023 article from Nerd Wallet says that flights are up about 26% more than they were last year. Hotels are up about 13-16% from pre-pandemic and rental cars are up 36% from pre-pandemic prices.

Setting aside inflation, travel demand is still through the roof.....even with these increased prices. People still want to get out and travel. They are booking international trips and cruises at an amazing rate. Personally, my sales this January were well over my January sales last year and even pre-pandemic. This month is also trending to do the same. Why? I think people want an escape.

Almost everything you hear in the news and on social media is all the bad happening in the world. The conflicts, the shortages, the inflation, and on and on and on. People want to go somewhere and just enjoy themselves. They want to see other places, experience new surroundings and just escape the stress of everyday life even for a few days.

So how can you take a trip without selling off a kidney or taking out a second mortgage? Here are a few ideas.

1. Go during the off-season. I know this may be easier said than done, but if you can go during months that are less crowded, you can see some substantial savings compared to peak times.

2. Last-minute deals are getting fewer and further apart. I'm not saying they are not out there but don't bet a big family vacation on it. Suppliers don't really have to post last-minute deals right now because demand is higher than supply in a lot of instances.

3. If you follow Dave Ramsey skip past this part. Do you have a credit card that offers points for hotels or miles for airlines? You might think about using it more for everyday items AND THEN PAY IT OFF EVERY MONTH so you don't get stuck paying ungodly high interest. I'm NOT telling you to spend more than you can afford, I'm suggesting to maybe shift your way of thinking and use some perks you may already have at your disposal. (This is not financial advice)

4. If you are traveling within the US, look for accommodations that offer free breakfast or an optional meal plan. If you have a refrigerator and microwave in your room, head to a local grocery store and get some food. You can prepare one or two meals in your room and then eat out one meal so you're still experiencing the local flavor and supporting the local economy of that destination. If traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean, all-inclusive is still the best bet if you don't plan on doing a lot of exploring and will spend most of your time at the resort. If you're not going to be at the resort other than to sleep, then the same thing applies as it does stateside.

5. Cruises can also offer great value when you consider everything that is included. Just know the true cost if you want to add drink/dining packages, shore excursions, etc. Here in the Texas Panhandle, we are within a day's drive of Galveston and New Orleans. Galveston port is growing and several new ships and Cruise Lines are now sailing from there.

6. Avoid eating or buying gifts in a tourist area. Prices are going to be even more expensive anywhere you go that has a high flow of tourists.

7. Read the fine print. Know what the change/cancelation penalties are. Does the hotel/resort charge resort fees that are not included in your original cost? (Think Hawaii) Is there a cleaning fee? Ect....

8. And last but not least........USE A TRAVEL AGENT. We do this for a living, it's literally our job. A good travel agent listens to what you want and what you need and will work WITH you to find options that fit those parameters and your budget. We work for you, not the travel suppliers. Unlike some of the big online travel sites, we will tell you if a resort/hotel/ship isn't a good fit for you and why. We have connections throughout the travel industry that can help us help you. I don't care if you contact me or one of the other great travel agents in our area, but please consider using a travel agent for your next vacation.

I understand the pinch on finances and I get the shock of increased prices. I just want you to be aware of where the travel industry is right now. Gone are the pre-pandemic prices and who knows if they will ever go back down to that again. If you are wanting to take a vacation this year, call or email me. Let's talk about options and what may or may not work.

Beverage Carry-On & Corkage Fee Policies by Cruise Line

Going on a cruise in the near future? Thinking about carrying on a bottle of wine or maybe a case of cokes but you're not sure what is and isn't allowed? 

Here's a great article from TravelMarket Report that hits most of the major cruise lines and their policies.

Please follow up by checking directly with the cruise line for the most complete and up-to-date information regarding what is and isn't allowed to be carried onto the ship.

Beverage Carry-On & Corkage Fee Policies by Cruise Line

: Which lines let you bring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages onboard? Which charge a corkage fee and which waive that fee for beverage package holders?

Michelle Osborn is the Owner of Outta Here Travels located in Pampa, Texas

 

Our Favorite Places to Visit in Mexico

1. Cancun

This once-sleepy fishing village has transformed into one of the top vacation spots in Mexico for US travelers. It’s flush with all-inclusive resorts that serve almost any budget from basic budget resorts to luxury resorts and everything in between.  Cancun has evolved from party-central to a great destination for the entire family.  And with the Mayan museum and ruins just a short drive away, you can treat kids to an eye-opening day trip that might even be one of the vacations that even your jaded teenagers will enjoy.

2. Tulum

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard all the hype about Tulum. At the very least, you've seen the Instagram-worthy photos as you scroll through your social media feed.  There is no shortage of eco-luxe hotels, bars, restaurants, and boutiques around this chill coastal town. Savor tasty tacos from a street vendor, rent a bike and ride to the ancient ruins of El Castillo and Parque Nacional Tulum, or indulge in traditional wellness treatments, you'll find lots to do when you visit Tulum.

3. Cabo San Lucas

This longtime vacation hotspot hasn’t lost its sparkle over the years. On the contrary, Cabo San Lucas’s star shines brighter than ever. The town’s sport-fishing, buzzing nightlife, and yacht-filled marina continue to be a major draw. It also flaunts fabulous restaurants and high-end luxury accommodations like Las Ventanas al Paraiso Resort, One & Only Palmilla, and The Resort at Pedregal, which has one of the most amazing infinity pools in Mexico.

I want to know, What is your favorite place to visit in Mexico?

Michelle is the owner of Outta Here Travels in Pampa, Texas

Five Travel Must Haves For 2023

 

Five Travel Must Haves For 2023

Travel shouldn't be stressful and neither should packing for a trip. These five items will become some of your "must haves on your packing list.

1.  Not Your Parents' Garment Bag

This bag is sure to become a favorite carry-on. This is a garment bag worthy of Inspector Gadget himself. It has plenty of room for that suit or dress for a night out on the town or a business meeting, plus plenty of room left over for some casual attire, shoes in an included shoe bag, toiletries, etc.

2. Collapsible Silicon Electric Travel Kettle

This nifty electric kettle folds up nicely so you can pack it away in a carry-on and not have to heat water up in a hotel coffee pot (gross) or microwave. This small but mighty kettle heats water fairly quickly to boiling so it's perfect if you want to bring along noodle or oatmeal cups along. This kettle is also perfect for those who camp and have access to electricity. I've personally taken it in my van and used my 1000-watt power bank to boil water for some quick, hot meals. 

3. Sea-to-Summit X-Brew Collapsible Camping Coffee Dripper

Going along with our previous Must-Have is the silicon collapsible pour-over reusable coffee filter. This is one of the first items I make sure I have packed no matter where I'm staying the night. I'm not a fan of hotel coffee pots (I've heard some horror stories about what's been found in some of the pots) so I always take this with me. When we're camping out or even in our motorhome, I make sure I have it with me so I can enjoy a nice cup of coffee.

4. Collapsible Silicon Water Bottle

These water bottles are an absolute must for anyone who flies a lot. They roll up nicely and you can throw them in a purse, backpack, or briefcase, or use the carabiner to clip them onto your bag. Once through security, unroll and find the nearest water filling station. Most airports have these water stations now and they are much more sanitary than the old water fountains. These are also great for hiking and camping since they practically take up no room at all.

5.  Earplugs

There is nothing worse than being on a plane next to someone who snores.....I promise you. My husband, whom I love with my whole heart, snores. These little magical pieces of foam help me keep my sanity and him from sleeping in a separate bedroom. You can use these on a plane or at a hotel to block out any unwanted noises, at a concert to help muffle the loud music, basically, wherever there are loud noises that you don't want to hear. 

So there you have it, my top five Must Have Travel Items for 2023. Do you have a favorite travel must-have? Leave a comment below and tell us what it is. 

Some of the links for products mentioned in the blog may be Affiliatelinks and we get a little money if you purchase an item through the link, but there is no extra cost to you. 

Michelle is the owner of Outta Here Travels in Pampa, Texas