Photo Credit: Tourism Australia, http://www.australia.com
Depressed that your summer vacation is over? You’re not alone. TripAdvisor released results from its “post-vacation blues” survey revealing that 56 percent of U.S. travelers surveyed said they often get the post-vacation blues upon returning from a trip. There are ways to combat this feeling…plan another vacation, and the travel deals are continuing in full force providing opportunities for travelers to get away, even on a budget.
Fifty-eight percent of TripAdvisor survey respondents said planning their next vacation is the best way to snap out of a bad mood post-vacation. Sixty-nine percent of travelers surveyed said the best description of their post-vacation mood is “eager to plan the next trip” as soon as their vacation has ended.
According to the U.S. Tour Operators Association, travel savings range from 10 percent to 35 percent over last year, translating to savings up to $500 per person compared to 2008. U.S. travelers welcome the travel opportunities couple with more value.
Why the continued drop in travel prices? The economic crisis and a stronger U.S. dollar in many destinations are contributors.
“In countries as diverse as Greece, Egypt, South Africa, Australia, and Italy, the U.S. dollar has gained in strength, while domestic destinations like Hawaii are offering good deals in response to soft tourism year,” Bob Whitley, USTOA president, says.
A recent consumer survey commissioned by USTOA found that three out of four Americans say they will travel this year, but most are staying closer to home in response to the recession. Affordability ranked number one consideration in planning a vacation, with almost 30% of those surveyed saying they would seek destinations that offer more value. And, while more than 45% of Americans said they were not going abroad this year, almost 15 percent were lured by a stronger dollar.
Following are a few tour travel options outlined by USTOA:
In South Africa, through November, a 10-day land-only tour of Cape Town, the Garden Route and Kruger National Park for families, is $6,355 per person versus $7,855 per person in 2008 – a savings of $1500. A savings of nearly 20 percent over last year, the tour includes most meals, sightseeing and activities. International air fare is additional.
Through December 8, a 16 day custom-planned itinerary to Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef costs $1,430 this year – or $500 less than in 2008. The savings of 25 percent includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco and all transfers in Australia.
A 7 day/6 night vacation package to Budapest and Prague that sold for $1355 per person in 2008 costs $1199 per person this year–a savings of $150 per person, or more than 10 percent, over last year. Included are accommodations, daily breakfast, a tour in each city, flight from Budapest to Prague, and airport transfer by private car through November.
Beat Vacation Blues by Capturing Travel Deals was created by and is property of American Consumer News.
