Thursday, March 12, 2009

Economic downturn fuels travel bargains

The weakening economy has caused many travelers to think twice about booking their next trip, and the tourism industry is feeling the pinch.

Airlines and hotels are struggling to attract customers, but the good news is that the tough times can translate into big savings for those willing to travel in this market. Due to the strengthening dollar and decreased business travel, some previously pricey destinations have become a bargain.

Europe, and Great Britain in particular, could be a great alternative to a typical summer beach vacation. In the past year, the dollar has gained about 25% against the Euro and more than 40% against the British pound. Transatlantic airlines are also scrambling to fill seats, so travelers can get especially good deals if they're willing to fly at off-peak times or sit through a layover or two.

Traveling by train through Europe can also be significantly less expensive than rail travel in the US, so instead of paying for hotels, travelers can take overnight trains to cover more ground and maximize their vacation time.

Popular business travel destinations such as Las Vegas are also experiencing decreased traffic as corporations participate in fewer conferences and training sessions.

In addition, many destinations that are popular with business travelers also happen to be warm weather locales. Las Vegas and Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale, for example, are often less busy during the summer, even in good times. By combining airfare and a hotel stay, bargain-hunting travelers can take advantage of off-season package deals.

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