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Will we still be going to Grandma’s?
Whether Americans will travel for the holidays these next six weeks is anybody’s guess.
With gasoline prices plummeting, travelers have suddenly lost their excuse not to visit grumpy Uncle Herbert in Paducah. At $2.10 a gallon, driving is again cheap.
Bus and train fares are holding steady.
And flying? It’s not all bad news.
Although we were bombarded with dire reports of airlines cutting seats and raising prices, airfares actually are moderating as we get closer to the holidays. Northwest Airlines is even throwing a holiday fare sale, which indicates weak demand.
“We expect our bookings to be on par with previous years’ holiday bookings and anticipate vigorous travel,” says Michelle Aguayo-Shannon, Northwest spokeswoman.
Meanwhile, because of weaker demand for everything from airline tickets to hotel rooms, “this could be the best holiday season for travel since 2001 — and maybe ever,” says industry watcher Christopher Elliott, a syndicated travel columnist in Orlando. “Airlines have reduced capacity and tried to raise fares, but passengers cut back even more.”
He says savvy travelers should also find last-minute bargains on holiday hotels, restaurants, cruises and vacation packages.
One place to watch for deals? Hawaii. With arrivals down nearly 20 percent in September from 2007, the state needs visitors. Its Web site,
GoHawaii.com, is offering hotel rates at lower prices than last year.
Another deal possibility? Cruises. With new reservations falling, prices are, too.
I predict that in the end, whoever can afford to travel for the holidays still will.
In tough times, we all need family, friends and Grandma’s pumpkin pie.
YOU KNOW HOW WE SAID EUROPE WAS TOO EXPENSIVE? NOT ANYMORE: While the global economy was melting down, the dollar’s value rose. In July, it cost $1.57 to buy one euro. Now it’s $1.28. In July, it was $2 to buy one British pound. Now it’s $1.58.
The number of North American tourists visiting the UK this year plummeted 7 percent, and Septem-ber saw a decline in hotel occupancy and room rates there.
If you’ve been waiting, now may be the time to go.
NO, YOU WON’T NEED A PASSPORT TO DRIVE TO CANADA : For the next eight months, all you need is the usual stuff — your birth certificate and a driver’s license — to drive between the United States and Canada.
After that, in June 2009, you will either need a passport, passport card or an enhanced driver’s license at land borders with Canada and Mexico. You already need a passport when flying in and out of Canada.
IF YOU ARE FLYING, WATCH OUT FOR THOSE NASTY LUGGAGE FEES:
Most airlines charge $15 for a first checked bag — each way. So be careful. Pack light, ship gifts ahead and know the rules before you get to the airport.
Also, weigh, weigh, weigh your luggage before leaving home to make sure it isn’t over 50 pounds. Overweight bag fees are an additional $50 to $150.
YES, NORTHWEST HAS JUST BEEN SWALLOWED BY DELTA, BUT THAT WON’T AFFECT HOLIDAY TRAVEL:
If you are booked on NWA, you will still fly NWA, with NWA planes, gates, staff and reservations.
Delta gobbled up the smaller airline in October, but it won’t change any operations until spring 2009. You can get details at
www.nwa.com.
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