I get several travel agent related e-mails daily, and there seems to be a promising trend emerging. At the beginning of October, a CNN.com article headlined “With oil prices down, why aren’t airfares?” came out. A week later, one came through with “Airlines reduce fuel surcharges on international routes.” The next day The Seattle Times said, “Travelers gain as dollar climbs; fares, room rates fall.”
First, the airfare. The airlines are understandably skittish. Wondering if the lower fuel prices are here to stay, they are reluctant to lower fares too soon. And, according to the CNN article, although the price of crude has fallen roughly a third since the record high in mid-July, it is still nearly 25% higher than this time last year. On the other hand, a decline in business and vacation travel is putting pressure on airlines to fill seats. In mid-October things started happening. Hoping to lure passengers back onto planes to Europe as they fight the current economic crisis, major airlines decided to lower their international fares by cutting the fuel surcharges up to 18%. They may cut even more if the price of oil declines.
Next, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against most world currencies. If you’re planning a trip to Canada, Europe or Mexico, your dollars will buy more than they have in a long while. The euro is at $1.35 compared to $1.60 earlier this year; the peso plunged to its lowest rate since 1993; the greenback is no longer even with the Canadian dollar, rather it’s now worth $1.10.
International travel is looking better than it has in a long time. As a savvy traveler, if you’re planning a trip next year, you may want to book and pay in advance for as much as you can. Keep an eye on the rates for international flights. You may want to lock in the lower fares before the airlines change their minds, or oil prices soar again.
For more helpful information, affordable tours, and more, visit www.driftersister.com.
Catch the wind…
Taste the rain…
And touch all of your tomorrows…
|
