Summer Vacation: Will Rising Gas Prices Affect Travel Plans?

Desfinafion: Summer Vacafion. Don't let high costs prevent your travel plans from taking off 56% of U.S. adults plan to take at least one trip before the end of July..but.. 62% of travelers say they may change their plans because of high costs How travelers intend to 27% 20% 13% change their plans to save will take a shorter would travel plan to cut costs, lodging entertainment, & dining closer to home vacation The price of gas is the #1 reason people believe their travel plans may change • 57% of road travelers may be forced to alter travel plans if gas prices increase by at least $0.26 - $1.25 GAS · Average airfare rose 9% from 2011-2012, most airlines site rising gas prices since 35% of their budgets are spent on energy costs Want to go to a new destination this year? 72% of American adults have never visited the Alamo 65% have never gone to the Grand Canyon 62% haven't seen the Statue of Liberty 61% haven't gone across the Golden Gate Bridge 57% have never taken a tour through the White House Getting Your Travel Plans Off the Ground If you plan a trip for late summer, you can start a vacation budget now to allow you to cover most expenses with cash. If you plan on taking a flight to your travel destination, buy your tickets as early as possible and bundle flights with hotel reservations to get a better deal. Make sure to check the airline fees so you don't pay extra for your bags. Since 2/3 of travelers find car rental taxes much higher than expected, take free shuttles and public transportation. For road travelers, check tire pressure and avoid over-packing to improve your gas mileage. - In any case, consider getting a travel suite with a kitchen area, so you can cook at least some meals in your room to reduce dining costs. Make sure you don't go overboard with buying momentos and gifts. Avoid paying for things on your trip with credit so you don't have problems with debt by the end of these warm summer days! CONSOLIDATED CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICES, INC. » When debt is the problem, we are the solution. Sources: [1] http://travel-industry.uptake.com/blog/2011/05/10/american-families-are-eager-to-travel-again-per-amex-and-homeaway/ [2] http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-0402-travel-briefcase-20120402,0,5703931.story [3] http://www.ustravel.org/news/press-releases/rising-gas-prices-concern-travelers-travel-industry-summer [4] http://www.ustravel.org/news/press-releases/us-travel-association-opposes-%E2%80%9Cpunitive%E2%80%9D-travel-tax-hikes