State of Travel in the US and beyond - 2015

Travelers, (consumers and business travelers), have had the upper hand on pricing, availability and quality for over 4 years. Starting in 2008, volume decreased, too many planes were flying, too many hotels were built and too many rental cars were sitting empty, the industry has taken it on the chin in pricing.

This has all changed as the industry has gone through a tightening of its belt and demand has rebounded to pre-2008 levels. In business travel as well as leisure travel, we are seeing rising prices, shortage of supply and longer booking windows being required to achieve the best results for our clients.

While all these factors have led to increasing prices in 2014 (Avg. Hotel rates up 7%, Avg. Plane ticket up 14% Avg. Car rental up 9%) our clients have beaten these national averages due to our diligence and their focus on controlling costs. Meanwhile our clients can continue to focus on their client relationships and core business. 

What can you do to help slow the increase in cost to travel? Here are some high level ideas.:

1)     Self-serving I know, but call us. In both the corporate travel space and leisure travel, great values exist but you have to know how to find them.

2)     Buy early. The best way to save money is not to travel, but the next best way is to be organized. Last minute costs more, perhaps as much as 50% more.

3)     Look for flights that have availability that allow for reasonable seats, without having to pay for special seating. This is becoming harder and harder, but again, plan as early as possible.

4)     Check in for flights and hotel rooms early. If you check-in online for flights, you reduce the risk of being bumped off a flight. This is especially important for infrequent travelers without frequent flyer status as you are the first to go if a flight is oversold. On hotels, you can be bumped to another hotel if you are the last person to check in for the night. Stop by before you go to dinner and obtain a key to a room. If not, expect the unexpected, smoking room or another room at another hotel. No much fun after a hard day of travel.

5)     Pay special attention to hotel cancellation policies. Hilton and Marriott just announced they will adopt a 2 day cancellation policy beginning in 2015. This is a gigantic change from the industry standard of 6PM day of arrival.

We have many other ideas for corporate travelers and folks wanting to take a neat vacation. Don't wait too long to plan or you will be disappointed. Contact Aladdin for assistance in planning your next trip! 

Ricky Shore 

336-499-6727

December is less than a week away and for the past few years, Aladdin Travel has made donations in honor of our clients, employees and friends to their local food banks. This year, in addition to those gifts, we are going to give $1000 to three ADDITIONAL charities. We need your help!  Below are 5 charities.  Voting will take place until Friday, December 12 and the winners will be announced on Monday, December 15.  Since it is a special time of year, fourth and fifth places will each receive $500.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Centers for Exceptional Children

The Children's Museum of Winston Salem

Industries for the Blind/Winston-Salem

The Matthew Allen Gfeller Foundation

The Stephen Doughton Jr. Foundation

Aladdin Travel Holiday Donation Survey