October 8, 2007
Is it time to travel to Europe, become a travel agent, both, or neither?
I'm back with a few articles for you. The speech went well and seemed to impress my boss if you were wondering.
First, now that it's fall, traveling to Europe is becoming more affordable (but it's still expensive). Just not as bad as it was this summer when this article says prices could be $10 for a Pepsi! Now I guess it depends on where you shop for Pepsi too. In this article they give examples of declining hotel prices:
The Four Seasons Hotel in Prague, for example, is offering a Bed and Breakfast package from Oct. 17 to Dec. 27, with rates starting at 245 euros a night, or about $345 at $1.42 to the euro, down from 355 euros in high season. The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin is offering rates from 225 euros a night in November, including breakfast and two glasses of Champagne. Prices normally begin at 355 euros a night.Not the first hotels I look at... The article does list some tour packages that are somewhat affordable.
No matter where you're going, you have to decide if you'll be using a travel agent or not. Apparently business isn't as bad as young people think it is because the ASTA feels that they need to do something to convince more people to become travel agents.
And speaking of travel agents, here's the story of how one business succeeded.
I suppose one of the things a travel agent might do is help you answer the questions found in this article:
1. HELP! My husband wants a romantic second honeymoon, but we're taking along our toddler. Where can we go and what can we do?
2. We want a big family vacation, but we're on a budget. What should we do?
3. I always wind up overpacking - and yet I still forget things. Any advice?
4. Our flight is nearly six hours long and we have two kids with us! What can we do to make the long trip less stressful?
5. Is there a way to make everyone happy on a vacation — two adults, a teenage son, an 8-year-old daughter and our 2-year-old?
6. What are some resources for family deals, trips, advice, etc.?
Posted by James Trotta at October 8, 2007 12:18 PM | TrackBack
Go on a cruise!!! That I believe just about answers all your concerns. With hotel rates so high on land, nothing can compare to cruising as far as economy. Some cruises today sells for as low as $599/person or lower (much lower for a 3rd & 4th person in the cabin) for a 15-day cruise. And that includes all the food your family can eat, daily entertainments, and visits to exotic places.
Posted by: Octavio Mamon at October 8, 2007 3:42 PMDo not - repeat - do not take a child under 6 yrs. on one of the 'regional jets' that the airlines are now using to fly everywhere....even on flights longer than 2 hrs. You and everyone around you will regret the flight. Drive to a cruise ship in your area....or better yet - get a sitter (i.e. grandparent, sister, etc.) and keep the child at home where he/she is comfortable, and you are not at your wits end (along w/ everyone else)!
Posted by: annrey at October 11, 2007 9:28 PMNo no no! Take your kids with you on vacation!!! There is no better time to bond and reconnect with them than in some far off place with no schedule and no email! Taking kids on planes requires a little planning and lots of awareness of how they are acting around other travelers but a portable DVD player and snacks will do the trick. Planning airline trips during naps and after a full meal helps as well. Don't leave your kids at home while you go on vacation! You will miss some incredible moments.
Posted by: Jane at October 30, 2007 12:40 PM