To hell with the downturn, Jane E. Fraser reveals the latest travel trends.
Set aside the tales of gloom some sectors of the travel industry are selling their socks off and savvy travellers are finding destinations and holiday options that offer great value for tight budgets.
Britain and Europe
Australians are flocking to the traditionally expensive destinations of Britain and the European mainland.
Travel.com.au says its London sales are up 50 per cent on last year and lastminute.com.au says the number of Aussie travellers booking flights to London has increased dramatically. Trafalgar Tours says its European bookings are up between 15 per cent and 40 per cent on last year and bookings for Utracks self-guided walking and cycling trips around Europe are up 50 per cent on last year.
The reason A plethora of cheap flights about $1400 return, including taxes combined with a favourable exchange rate of roughly $2 to 1 pound.
Top tip You don’t have to fly to London; there are plenty of fares to other European cities for the same price.
Adventures and altruism
Adventure travel has been a stellar performer in recent times and volunteer-related travel is hot on its heels. Operator, i-to-i, says its bookings to May were up 82 per cent on the previous year, while most adventure operators are reporting bookings up at least 15 per cent on last year.
Proving particularly popular this year are Australian adventure trips, with people generally looking closer to home in the economic downturn.
Intrepid Travel says it has seen 135 per cent growth (off a small base) in bookings for Australian trips. Yet World Expeditions says it is still seeing strong demand for big-name adventure destinations such as Nepal, Africa and Peru.
The reason Many people are looking for a sense of achievement and perspective during tough economic times.
Top tip You don’t have to devote your whole holiday to volunteering or hardcore adventure; look for trips that include some relaxation.
Close to home
Not surprisingly, Australia and nearby destinations have boomed in the tough times. For example, visitors to Tasmania increased 14 per cent for the year to March and Kangaroo Island ferry operator SeaLink says it has carried 25,000 more passengers in 10 months than it did for the same period last year.
Travel.com.au says it has seen “a remarkable surge” in bookings for New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand and Fiji, while Vanuatu’s arrivals are up 44.6 per cent on last year. Hawaii is also booming up 68 per cent on last year.
The reason The past year has brought unprecedented package deals for nearby holiday destinations, including two-for-one fares and plenty of free hotel nights.
Top tip Subscribe to email newsletters and “hot deals” alerts as many heavily discounted offers have very short booking periods.
One price fits well
All-inclusive holiday providers have been among the big winners in the past year.
Cruising is one of the best examples, with fares typically including all meals, entertainment and even tips. P&O is doubling its Australian fleet to meet demand, while Royal Caribbean says its bookings are up about a third on last year. Club Med’s all-inclusive holidays have seen double-digit growth, along with a massive 200 per cent surge in forward bookings for its recently renovated Bali resort.