High costs are already putting a damper on summer travel plans. These money-saving strategies can help.
Given inflation, a bank crisis, and fears of recession, it may come an as little surprise that the high cost of travel remains the primary factor influencing Americans’ vacation choices this year, in line with
findings from last autumn. Sixty percent of US travelers say inflation will impact their decision to travel in the next six months, according to a March 1
survey from the market research consultancy Longwoods International. That’s up from 52% in a poll earlier in February.
The good news is that beating travel’s stratospheric prices this year isn’t an entirely hopeless endeavor. There are ways to soften the blow—if you can show some flexibility and stay in the know. From destinations enticing tourists back with giveaways and airlines offering promotional fares on new routes, here are the best ways to prevent sky-high costs from putting a damper on your big travel plans this year.
Go Where the Dollar Is Strongest
The days of
US dollar-to-Euro parity may be over, but there are plenty of destinations where the American currency continues to dominate, a result of steep inflation in those economies. Take Turkey ($1 gets 19 Turkish lira at press time), where tourism dollars are welcome after a devastating series of earthquakes. (It’s worth noting that the devastation was not near major tourism hubs.) South Africa ($1 to 18 South African rand), Argentina ($1 to 200 pesos) and New Zealand ($1 to $1.6 NZ$) are also good choices, says Jack Ezon, founder of boutique travel firm Embark Beyond.
In Latin America and the Caribbean,
Peru, Colombia and the Dominican Republic are solid bets for favorable currency rates; you may even find deals on airfare to some of these destinations, especially if overall tourism demand has not yet reached fever pitch.
Skip the Big Cities and Sights
If you’re eyeing Europe this summer, you’ll want to avoid the bucket-list cities that tourists hit en masse. “Stay away from Rome, ” says Ezon, and fly into Madrid, Budapest, Berlin or Zurich, which are tertiary cities that aren’t seeing comparable levels of demand. “Right now there’s still an opportunity to snag air under $3, 000 in business class to those destinations, whereas last year they may have gone for $10, 000 apiece because everyone was so frantic.”
Portugal in particular remains one of the best values on the continent, period. Not only can you get great coastal vistas and city escapes on the mainland, but its outlying islands, such as Madeira, offer an adventurous and peaceful alternative to more crowded islands in the Mediterranean.
Even in popular countries, picking a lesser-known spot can bring super savings. Consider Ischia, Italy, where you can stay in a duplex pool suite at the seafront San Montano resort for $2, 500 per night—less than the current going rate for a 200-square-foot, entry level room at the JK Place Capri. “It’s Capri but without the name-brand label, ” Ezon says.
Wherever you go, consider routing through London Heathrow. Business demand hasn’t returned to normal levels, and Heathrow has lost its status as a major gateway into the EU since the UK exited the European Union. That’s brought opportunity for better business-class airfare deals.
Look for Destination Incentives
In an effort to boost tourism recovery and beat the competition, a number of destinations are coming up with traveler incentives. Take Hong Kong: After devastating blows to its tourism economy over the past three years, the destination announced on Feb. 1 that it is
giving away 500,000 air tickets through Cathay Pacific. The giveaway, set to run six months as part of Hong Kong’s reopening campaign, will kick off for US travelers at the
beginning in May; keep your eyes peeled on the Hong Kong International Airport website—and
act fast!In Antigua and Barbuda, Elite Island Resorts—which includes the luxurious Galley Bay Resort & Spa and St. James’s Club & Villas—will give out
a $500 air credit to those who visit during the island’s inaugural restaurant week May 7-21, though you’d have to book by March 31.