Vacation Inflation

American travelers are increasingly concerned about inflation according to a recent survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIAA).

TIAA is a trade group made up of and working on behalf of the travel industry. In their most recent study, they found that concerns about money was the prime factor preventing leisure travelers from going on their desired vacations. Over 25 per cent of the people in the survey said that their last vacation wasn’t everything they’d dreamed of either.

The survey confirms what many people have long known is true: the inflation that is affecting every corner of American life from groceries to gas, has hit the travel industry.

Not only are airline tickets this summer increasingly difficult to get, and the prices extraordinary, but the quality of the flights is deteriorating. Airlines are no longer pampering their guests like they used to. In fact, the seating has only gotten more cramped over the last few years, the meals have dwindled in size to become snacks, or gone on sale and this is not even mentioning the hassle of just getting to the airplane from the check-in counter.

Hotel rates are also on the rise, adding to the total cost of the vacation. One estimate puts the increase in hotel room rates over the last year to be at 19 per cent. The rooms most affected by the increasing prices are the budget and economy hotels. But what are the choices? Nobody wants to waste their two weeks off during the year sitting around in their stuffy apartment.

A few tips for saving money on travel:

1. Book early: at the very least it will save you the hassle of trying to get a seat when there are so few.

2. Stay at home in high season: there is no better time to enjoy your home than high season when everyone else is on the road and the sun is shining on the barbecue. Save up your vacation time for when the deals and the destinations are hot, like the middle of the winter.

3. Use the internet: a number of websites can help you track down the best fare. Be aware that many low-cost carriers do not advertise the taxes and surcharges that are tagged on in addition to the ticket price so don’t get sucked into a deal that looks too good to be true and is.

4. Use alternative modes of transportation: consider a summer cruise to Alaska, take a road trip down to Mexico, camp out under the stars.

5. Get a great travel agent: nothing beats someone who really knows there stuff and can comb through the wealth of deals and offers to find you the best fare.

6. Save up and suck it up: when it comes down to it, everything cost more these days and you are likely to get what you paid for. Remember that your vacation is about relaxing and although you can save some extra money squeezing into a tiny seat in a crowded no-frills airline with no food, it might not be the best way to start the vacation of your dreams. Save up, and spend well and enjoy your vacation.