Call Me Crazy, But I'm Ready to Talk Holiday
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
When they say “Christmas in August,” they're not kidding. No, I'm not talking about preparing a wish list (though now that you mention it…). For weeks now I've been thinking it's not too early to start talking holiday planning and winter breaks. I know the summer steam has barely lifted in most places, but this year looks sure to have a whopper of a holiday season.
I'm not clairvoyant, but I can generally predict what the holiday season will look like based on what the earlier holidays and summer travel looked like (think about how they predict the stock market performance off the month of January). Based on a banner year with record breaking holiday weekends and an incredibly high-traffic summer, I'd say we're looking at serious volume this winter.
This year the theme for leisure travel is: going, going, gone on vacation! People have been undeterred by higher fuel costs and exchange rates. They're adventuresome and are traveling to Costa Rica, Asia, and Eastern Europe, as well as the usual high-season hot spots. At airports back home, travelers have endured lengthy wait times, crowds at security, and higher prices. Take that into consideration and add to it the fact that Christmas and New Year’s will both fall on weekends, making the holiday crowding more ferocious since everyone will be looking at the same preferred travel dates.
While I'll admit that Katrina may complicate things, I don't think the aftermath will deter the masses. In fact, when it comes to the holiday season, she may just compound things. This year we could see fewer seats as airlines try to condense flights and save money, which means that travelers may have to wait longer, may have more layovers, and may have to forfeit seats if they don't check in early enough.
So what should a pro-traveler do? Buy early and guarantee you’re getting what you want, where you want, when you want. In other words: lock it in! Save where you can by shopping for bargains in a bundle. For example, TotalTrips, which package air, hotel and cars together, can pass along deals that aren't available when buying a la carte. Look for low-price guaranteed hotels. Buy cruises that sail from drive-up ports so you don't have to buy an airline ticket too. Secure your rental car early and request any child or special options upfront. Time is of the essence.
Traveling is different than it was three or four years ago, when you could afford to play the waiting game for your holiday trips. People weren't traveling in droves, and there was an abundance of excess inventory (call it capacity, seats, beds, whatever). There was something to be sold at the last minute for less. But this year, you may not get exactly what you want at the last minute unless you're willing to pay dearly.
That isn't to say all your travel plans must be made now! In fact, I think some things are worth waiting for. I've waited five years for a product that's slated to be launched in October at www.site59.com, and it's the perfect holiday companion for people who can be flexible about where they're headed. Speaking of companions, it's a clever little tool that makes it possible for you to meet your companion from another city in another spot altogether different. This is what has been named "Meet Me In." Imagine you're in Boston, but your best friend, boyfriend, sister, etc…lives in Seattle. With Meet Me In, you can rendezvous on a beach in Cancun or Florida and get the benefit of a last-minute deal to boot.
I'm not ready for the cold weather just yet, but by the time the leaves start changing color, it'll be time to book your winter getaway. And, uh, you also might want to think about your wish list too. For that, it's never too early!
For the most recent travel news check out Amy Ziff's Travel Tips from AtoZ at www.travelocity.com/atoz. If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com ask.amy@travelocity.com. Come back monthly to see if your question has been answered.
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Holiday & Seasonal Travel
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