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November 30, 2008
Not only in the U.S.
In planning my travel for this summer, I have been doing a great deal of research on how travel differs internationally, and comparing it to what I am used to domestically. As prices rise for travel at home, it is interesting to look at the international effects. Travel throughout the UK has also become more expensive with rising costs, and the government has
begun to impose many new taxes on travel.
On the contrary, in the U.S., it is not the government that has begun to charge the consumers fees, but rather the travel industry itself. Many airlines have begun to add baggage fees, seat selection fees, and random minuscule surcharges, which end up increasing the travel costs by a great deal.
However, it is estimated that travel costs for the beginning of 2009 will not increase, but rather level out, and consumers have learned how to combat these costs by traveling lighter, and being more flexible with their options. Luckily, I do not plan on going to the UK this summer, where road fees, and other green taxes have started to take form. But with taxes such as this arising, it makes me concerned about what will happen to other countries in the near future.
All around the world, people have begun to combat the rising travel costs by booking their vacations
during weekdays when they are in resort-areas, and on weekends when they are in destinations that cater mostly to businesses. In the upcoming summer, I will probably have to do the same, and my goal will be to travel throughout South America.
Hopefully their travel industry has not been facing the same problems as the industries in the UK and the US have been. Only time will tell--but based on the current global trends, it seems that my summer plans may be altering.
Posted by amkruger at November 30, 2008 06:22 PM