If you haven’t booked a vacation this summer, it’s not too late — and you don’t have to cash out like you used to. in previous years or even monthly.
While plane tickets and Hotel prices in Europe this summer are staggeringly higher than tourists are used to, it’s a different tune closer to home. Offer is still available for those who want a last minute or late summer vacation in the USA
The latest inflation data from the US shows airfares fell 6.5% between May and June and are down nearly 19% from a year ago. Hotel prices in the US are up 5% from a year ago, but that’s down from the peak of inflation.
“The big story of the summer is really Americans flocking to Europe to find people who can afford it,” said Philip Ballard, communications director for HotelPlanner.com. “Americans are showing how resilient they are. Whether it’s hell or big country, they want to travel or take that big trip.
There are plenty of opportunities in the country for those not willing to shell out the money needed to take a summer trip to Europe. Ballard says national parks, lakeside towns and even beachfront hotels can be affordable options, especially when hoteliers realize they don’t have the same occupancy rates. in the past few summers.
It can be a boon for travelers, especially as falling gas prices are making summer road trips easier on the wallet. Going on the road also means avoiding summer travel nightmare at airports.
“It’s going to be a tumultuous year for flights in the US, whether it’s domestic or foreign,” Ballard said. “There will be more disruptions or delays, so what Americans are doing is making road trips.”
do not wait
Hoteliers warn deals are likely to be short-lived, especially as growing optimism about the economy overshadows recession fears that have dominated the walk-in conversation in the summer.
“Historically, we’ve been getting bookings a lot longer [advance] and as summer approached, around the beginning of May, we started to see pre-orders not coming in. I think because there’s a rumor that ‘recession is coming,’ people are watching their money,” said Simon Mais, chief executive officer. CEO and executive director at US hotel management company EOS Hospitality.
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“We have certainly put in place promotions on some of our hotels to alleviate that shortfall, but I would say that people should hurry to book because of that promotional opportunity now? The last-minute push is on,” he added.
EOS’s portfolio includes properties such as Montauk Yacht Club (where weekday prices start at $400 this summer), Maine’s Kennebunkport Resort Collection (where weekday prices start) from $319) and the luxury Wequassett Golf Club and Resort in Cape Cod (where weekday rates start at $800).
Some of those numbers don’t seem worth the bargain. However, keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for Wequasset prices to spike higher than $1,000 a night last summer.
Resort and leisure destinations across the country are presenting the greatest opportunity for hotel deals.
New Orleans and Miami started July with some of the biggest drop in hotel activity among the largest US hotel markets: New Orleans hotel prices fell nearly 16%, according to STR. Miami hotels have a drop rate of just over 5%. Boston Globe newspaper reported Vacancy rental occupancy rate down 20% this year compared to 2022.
Bring what? A variety of factors
Some argue that since most of the world has now lifted travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, travelers will be returning to places like Europe this summer after spending several years in the country. places like South Florida.
Others say the lackluster outlook for the economy since the start of the year has kept people off leisure travel. There is also the perpetuity that inflation has kept too many people from going to their vacation spots.
Whatever the problem may be in each market, hoteliers are clearly trying to increase demand.
There is even a return of discount promotions to entice customers. Popular Fontainebleau Miami Beach is offering guests a $100 resort credit and up to 25% off stays of four nights or more through the end of September, subject to availability and dates power-off.
Cape Cod is one of the most popular beach destinations in the Northeast, but holidaymakers often face minimum overnight stays at hotels and week-long requirements for accommodation. book a vacation home. Thought it was relaxing.
“To make it easier for people to customize their trip, hotels have lifted many of the ‘old school’ stay restrictions so people can travel the way they want and stay in as long as it suits them without having to fill someone else’s plans,” said Nicholas Farina, EOS vice president of operations.
Length of stay requirements may be relaxed, but the bargains may be fleeting.
Bottom line: Book now or risk paying more later.
“Some of the odds of survival are dwindling, so if anyone is thinking of traveling I would strongly advise them to really catch up quickly as everyone is moving in the right direction. there,” said Farina.
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