A Cheaper Vacation on the Horizon
Airfare is sky-high, but other vacation costs might soon come down to earth.
May 28, 2008 — -- Here's a thought: The total cost of travel could soon be coming down, and you can help make that happen.
Notice I said, cost of travel — not airfare. We are going to look at the big picture, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
What's required of you? Just sit back and watch the economy do its supply-and-demand thing, while learning to be as flexible as an Olympic gymnast. Actually, it won't even be that hard, and you can still win the gold medal for travel smarts.
First of all, let's look at the cost of airfare over the years: Back in the fourth quarter of 1997, the average domestic airfare cost $392. In the fourth quarter of 2007, that cost was $331. So things are better, or at least they were until the airfare increases started going crazy this year (the Bureau of Transportation Statistics does not yet have figures for 2008).
But let's look at the '97 figure again: In today's dollars, that $392 is the equivalent of $508 — so, you know you're at least somewhat ahead of the game on airfare.
And here's something else to consider: When it comes to vacations, it's not all about the airfare.
When you factor in the cost of hotels (and never mind dining, shopping, tours, etc.), airfare starts to look like a mere trifle. For instance, say you're planning to visit New York City this summer. I hope you've checked out hotel prices there, so your head doesn't explode.
Yes, it's steep: A middle-of-the-road hotel chain has rooms in midtown Manhattan during weekdays in June for $499 a night. And you can pay much, much more elsewhere. In other words, the cost of a room for a single night can be more expensive than the airfare.
Now, maybe you can't lower the room prices, but the forces of economics can. And likely, will. You see, demand for flights is already softening as the price of oil continues to careen out of sight; and don't think the airlines didn't notice how record numbers of drivers sat home this Memorial Day weekend.
Meanwhile, as the airlines keep raising prices and nickel-and-dime-ing us with inanities like a fee for a first checked bag, watch for more fliers to stay home.
Related Stories
ABC News Live