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Author : Joy Thrun
This article was featured in the Lansing Business Monthly, October 2008 Issue
Despite the fact it feels like the U.S. economy is currently in, or edging toward, a recession, economics are still not as important as the benefits of travel. According to 60 percent of respondents to a recent Amex survey, travel is very important to their mental health and lifestyle. This has been our experience as we posted one of our most profitable years in our 28-year history. I believe the economy has made the retail travel agent even more valuable as we “addicted” travelers seek ways to stretch our vacation dollars.
So here are a few of my ideas and cost-saving tips for travel. Among the destinations that are ranked at the top of “where our dollar is strongest list” are Indonesia, Argentina and South Africa.
Indonesia has been on my list ever since I fell in love with southern Thailand. The resorts are unique and luxurious; the wonderful art and my love for Indonesian food keep me interested and informed on this exotic destination. But it is a long way to travel and politically has been worrisome for some U.S. travelers.
Argentina is the up-and-coming hot destination; we have a collection of well-travelled clients, so of course we have been selling it for years. Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America,” coupled with mountains and shore make this a perfect destination for a wide range of tastes. The 4 Star Golden Tulip Savoy hotel in Buenos Aires is $128 U.S. currency a night; in Paris the Golden Tulip Opera is $350. All this and no time change.
South Africa? Don't get me started! My new favorite destination has it all: food, wine, great hotels, golf, extreme sports. I did a great white shark dive in Gansbaai and jumped the highest bungee in the world off the Bloukrans Bridge. But all paled in comparison to the animal viewing in Kruger National Park. We saw the big five and more almost every day!
As exciting and exotic as these destinations are, travel distance and time might not be possible for many working folks.
Closer to home, Mexico is a great value and very diverse. The area south of Cancun called the Riviera Maya is being developed all the way to Belize. The beaches, resorts, history, culture and food make this area one of the world's best vacation spots. With nonstop flights from Detroit you can do a three-night vacation here, with air, transfers and an all-inclusive resort for under $800. You can do a seven-night vacation at a four star property for under $1,200! Also, Puerto Vallarta offers whale watching in the winter season, awe-inspiring sunsets and restaurants that rival New York City. Ixtapa is also wonderful, and of course Cabo, although this resort area is not as much of a bargain thanks to the influx of California's rich and famous. All of South and Central America are good buys.
The Dominican Republic (one of my personal favorites) rivals the Riviera Maya in value. This Spanish-cultured destination has Tahiti-like beaches, salsa music and wonderful people and art.
Europe has become very expensive with the euro-dollar exchange, so how can Europe be affordable? Think cruise! I recently did a Holland America cruise in the Mediterranean with my 83-year-old dad and 77-year-old mom with stops in five wonderful ports for an average of $124 per person per day.
Remember, that includes food and entertainment. Drinks and sightseeing are also purchased at U.S. prices.
I am still astounded at the great values available in the world of travel. So, no matter what your budget––just go!
Contact us for more information about this and other travel related news.
Phone: (517) 349-6200 ext:13, Toll Free: (800) 643-3449Classic Travel
(517) 349-6200
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