In recession economy money is tight and everybody wants to earn rather than spend money. So travelling is understandably far from the plans of many people, since they will want to keep what little money they have for other purposes. That is from the point of view of saving; but from the perspective of spending a time of economic recession is the best time to travel. Because then you get the best service at the lowest costs.
Let us explain. In a recession, people have less means to travel. Linda Brins from the International Air Travel Association’s (IATA) public relations office noted recently that the number of air passengers last September 2008 has dropped by 4.4% from the previous month’s average, after the financial trouble at Wall Street. Since the recession is projected to worsen at the end of 2008 and continue till the next year, particularly after the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, the rate of business travel is likewise expected to drop significantly. It will affect the US, Europe, Japan and the rest of Asia in varying degrees.
Now this reduced number of travelers translates to lowered rate of tourism everywhere, meaning industries that depend on it will compete more fiercely for the reduced market. We can therefore expect lowered airfares, discounted room rates, reduced prices on many other tourism products and services. It could be nirvana for the intrepid tourist who can travel these days, and is the best argument for anyone who can afford to do so.
Still, it is recession, and the budget must be stretched as best as possible. So if you intend to take advantage of this opportunity, there are a few things to do.
First, decide where to go: There are numerous alternative places reachable by whatever budget you might have for the vacation. If the funds are limited, the really expensive ones are out of consideration right away. Be prudent and think only of what can fit in your budget. The French Riviera definitely cannot be had on a few thousand dollars, unless to intend to stay only a day there.
Second, research: The Internet is the best source of offers from airlines, hotels, pensions, resorts and other pertinent information. Make a list of what you want to do and find out the least expensive means of doing them by comparing data from the websites. Be meticulous and record everything.
Third, plan and contact the providers: Make up your itinerary from your list of what to do, then contact the providers. Make the necessary reservations but be sure to put agreements in writing if you can. Again use the Internet to receive hard copies of service contracts so you can have something concrete to base decisions later on in case things go wrong. Never rely on the spoken word when transacting; they are often deniable.
Last, enjoy your travel: Regard your travel as a lark, an adventure. That way you will not get disappointed because you will have no expectations. And if things do not go perfectly as expected, treat it as a learning experience if the errors are not too serious. Life is enjoyed by what you make of it, not what you want to do with it.
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