Recession Proof Travel Tips

Everyone seems to be tightening their belts at the moment, as our planets global recession (reported in some media circles within the west to be the worst since the Second World War) starts to enter the pain threshold of Joe Public. Both small and large Companies are actively seeking means and ways to reduce costs at all costs in a frantic effort to decrease liability, risk and unnecessary baggage. 

People and their families the world over still desire to travel though, as in the past utopia years of Tourism, people across the developed world have habitually become accustomed by the very ritual of leisure travel and holidays. But will they take the plunge and travel regardless this year or will the vast majority be turned off by the high costs and gloom involved? Certainly the leisure market is both apprehensive and pessimistic at the expected 2009 Tourism statistics.

The reality is however, whilst it’s natural, given the doom and gloom we are constantly fed by the media, that people are on tight Budgets and traded down to save money, the annual holiday abroad is seemingly one thing that is unlikely to be given up very easily. 

Research recently conducted by Mintel in the UK suggests that whilst some people are genuinely suffering as a consequence of the economic downturn, the vast majority of us are either unaffected, or merely mildly impacted by it. Moreover, with falling interest rates and lower fuel prices and energy bills many of us have significantly more cash in our pocket than this time last year. Mintel also suggests that a vacation abroad every year has become an expected lifestyle pattern and that despite the difficult times, people still need to escape from it all, perhaps even more so! 

So for those of you reading who are still gainfully employed, its actually never been a better time to travel! This is additionally due in part to the fact that the marketplace is focusing on quality in balance with value this year and some of the resorts and havens of the Tourism world that were becoming horribly overcrowded and even rather arrogant are now changing their tune and putting out the red carpet for a lot less. 

Consequently, if you have some spare cash and the desire to travel, the core cost of flight and accommodation is considerably lower and less in demand than before. Subsequently the savvy Perpetual Traveller out there can travel and enjoy life at a fraction of the cost before. We therefore dedicate this edition of Perpetual Traveller to share with you some insider trade tips in addition to a selection of the best input and contribution from our readers on “Recession Proof Travel Tips”…

1. When and where to Book
If you’re checking out flight costs on the Internet, be aware of the actual physical time that you are surfing online, as prices can vary by the hour. The reason for this is that many online websites are set so that the more consumer hits recorded online, the higher the flight costs become (in other words, the price rises in line with perceived demand). The best time to search for flights is late at night or when you are able to reliably predict that the online traffic is low! 

There are many online providers, however many of the most well known capitalize on their brand awareness and search engine prowess, which often comes at a higher cost, as you are paying for the marketing. This would be true from our standpoint with Expedia, Opodio, Travelocity and even last minute.com.

FLIGHT BOOKINGS 
The below link will take you to a website with an extended search and interesting route map. In all our tests they came up the cheapest, often displaying unusual options to save money. Out of confidence, the website even encourages you to compare prices with other websites such as Expedia. Prices are displayed in $ USD, making it favorable for conversion rates too. 
Click here: http://www.vayama.com/jsp/home/home.jsp?ref=commj&pdt=3132016

 HOTEL BOOKINGS
The below link will take you to a truly international website, as it operates in no less than 21 languages with English being the prime language. The interface is simple and there is a wide range of accommodation available all over the world at excellent prices. Take a look at the different search options for precise needs (eg. Price, Star rating, Specific location next to a landmark etc). The beauty of this Booking engine is that a credit card is only used to guarantee a booking from the outset, as the actual payment is not made until the checking out of the Hotel at the end of the actual stay. Sometimes I book a Hotel 6 months in advance to guarantee a room during a known busy expensive period (such as WTM in London, key conferences across the world and peak periods), however despite making an advance booking, payment is not made until the end of the stay, meaning your money stays with you (interest and all) until the very last minute. The possibility of cancellation with this website is also very good and easy to arrange. Each Hotel has their own requirements, so look at the detail, however some can be as short as 24 hours notice without charge. This will give you the confidence to book at the best rate and cancel later if you cannot afford or plans change.
Click here: http://www.booking.com/index.html?aid=307656&lang=en

CAR HIRE
The below link features the best overall prices for the common category of Car Hire bookings. The British are the most aggressive when it comes to Car Hire rates around the world and with the recent fall in the pound, it makes prices on this UK site truly exceptional. There are NO credit card fees, NO cancellation fees and NO amendment fees either, which also makes it all the more attractive and safe to book. The price is actually guaranteed, because they confirm that if you find a better car for the same price they will beat it. They cover the entire world even Zimbabwe! One reserves by credit card and pays at the location upon receiving the Car. 
Click here: http://www.carhire3000.com/Home.do?affiliateCode=progressen

2. End of month syndrome
Avoid making flight bookings at the end of the month (Pay day). For your interest, according to online booking engine experts, peak time is: Tuesday Lunch Hour and between 7pm - 10pm weekdays. 

3. Go Indirect
Don’t always go for a direct flight options as these are expensive. Look at other ways to reach your destination. Longer Yes, but cheaper YES! Seek the possibility to utilize and link Budget Airlines leaving enough time to connect. Although you will have to collect your luggage each time, the price could be significantly different and you are more likely to retrieve your luggage, as connections are the most common cause of lost luggage.

4. Visa Electron
Get a Visa Electron. When making purchases abroad such cards do not usually charge the hidden currency conversion transaction fee. Visa Electron is either cheaper or in some cases free in terms of the currency charge. Debit & Visa Card charges have become ridiculously high during the boom and it’s become like a stealth tax on all travel purchases. The best card on the planet we know is the UK’s trusty Nationwide Flex card that features no handling fee for cash withdrawals worldwide and no currency conversion transaction charge, meaning that significant savings are made every time cash is withdrawn or purchases are made.

5. Last Minute
If you are flexible and willing go on a Standby basis, one can obtain amazing deals at the moment. Shop around and make your time as flexible as possible. This would be true for flights and accommodation. Start tracking prices as early as possible, so that you know when you find a super deal.

6. The best days to fly
If you’re taking a break don’t take it at the same as everyone else! In terms of the week this is usually over the busy weekend including Friday. Try flying mid-week and more often than not you will achieve a notable saving. 

In terms of the right time of year, July, August and the beginning of September are traditionally busiest. Also try to avoid traveling around bank and public holidays or you will lose most of your precious time in traffic Jams and queues, then pay more to book your Flight and Hotel, just for the privilege.

7. Budget flights
Purchase your in-flight snacks before going onboard, as costs can be a startling 3 times higher than on the ground! Beware of exaggerated airport prices too and try to pre-empt your needs in a local supermarket beforehand. 

8. Budget extras
If you’re booking a Budget flight online, you need to be super careful of all the Extras (many of which are automatically checked). Instead of asking if you want speedy boarding or Insurance for example, it’s automatically and frustratingly added. Such online tactics are akin to con tricks and an expression of desperation on the strategy of certain Budget Airlines. If you’re not Internet savvy you could easily miss these tricks and each Budget airline has a different way of featuring the information too, so watch out. Recently I purchased a flight on Air Asia and after 20 attempts it was impossible to accomplish the booking without the insurance, which I did not need. Easyjet, Ryan air and more besides are culprits of such annoying tactics, which can elevate prices to higher than scheduled airlines on occasions, so it always pays to cross-reference and keep all factors into consideration.

9. Travel light
Airlines these days are charging a fortune when its comes to check-in luggage. I mean really 15 kgs (the weight that Ryanair adopts) for a 2 week vacation is a bit much, as my shoes alone weigh this much! Again if you need to bring more luggage, scheduled airlines may in the long run provide you with a better option all things considered. We are entering the era of packing light and with some discipline it is possible, but it needs a mentality shift and some planning. 

It must be said too that the convenience of not having to collect luggage at the baggage reclaim makes the concept of taking only hand luggage on board most attractive, especially for business and short trips. Here Ryanair the markets traditional lowest allowance only permits 7kg, whereas Easyjet allows any weight within reason, but restricts the size, which in our view is a sensible policy. 

10. Go electronic. 
The cost of choosing what is becoming an outdated paper airline ticket is now on average a more costly affair. If you opt for an e-ticket and print it out online, you pay zero (no ticket issue charge) and achieve the lowest available price. Once you have your e-ticket for convenience you can check-in online, meaning that you save precious time by not going to the airport ridiculously early. With no check-in luggage you can go straight through to the Departure Lounge also.


In summary, there has never been a better time to travel and using the above tricks you can save a fortune too!

Here’s wishing you pleasurable Perpetual Travels.

 Sharon Mckinley
 Publisher
 Perpetual Traveller