Do your homework, plan ahead and prepare
With the economy in a mess right now, everyone is trying to cut back on pretty much everything. That includes travel. Does that mean everyone’s just going to be staying home during holidays throughout the year? Don’t count on it!
The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) expects airlines this year to have fewer passengers than in the past. The airlines know this, and are therefore scheduling fewer flights. Because of there being fewer scheduled flights, most planes are going to be flying at about 90, or perhaps even 100, percent capacity. So even if you manage to find a red-eye flight on the 3rd of July, don’t plan on stretching out too much; most flights are still going to be very full.
On a different note, passenger trains across the nation will also be packed. Trains are a much cheaper way to travel now-a-days compared to flying, so more and more people are taking advantage of the lower prices for their travels. Last year Amtrak experienced record passenger numbers, especially during the busiest holiday travel days. This year they’re expecting a 65 percent increase in passengers just on the day before Thanksgiving. To prepare for the upcoming holidays this year, the railroad will even have to add additional trains to their lines, especially along the popular Northeast corridor.
But what about car travel? Are you, along with millions of other Americans, thinking of loading up the car with kids and gifts and driving to grandma’s house? If you are, there’s going to be plenty of people out there on the highways with you. Although the AAA travel organization is predicting that less people will be traveling over 50 miles this year for the holidays, they’re estimating that there’s still going to be 42 million Americans out on the road. So remember – buckle-up and watch the speed limits!
Yes, the economy is in a rut. But apparently that’s not stopping us all from visiting family or friends or from taking a leisurely vacation during the holiday seasons this year! Join us for our next post, which will feature some great tips for holiday travel this year.