Expedia.com, the leading online travel that have launch Expedia Travel TrendWatch which is interesting articles that you may find it from here. I have interested in booking patterns that always reflect to other hospitality in term of budget travel and luxury travel as well.
Key highlights from this issue include:
1. Economic climate affects customer booking patterns
- In order to stimulate demand, many hotels are offering complimentary nights and other promotions, and some consumers are leveraging this value to extend their vacations. According to a survey of Expedia.com customers, 34 percent of summer vacations planned this year are four to six days in length, compared to 26 percent last year.
- Expedia.com booking data shows that the booking window is shrinking, and consumers are increasingly booking closer to their travel dates. In fact, Expedia.com has seen an increase in trip purchases in the seven- to 13-day out booking time frame.
- Travelers are also increasingly purchasing trip insurance to ensure flexibility in their travel plans; there was a 12 percent increase in trip insurance purchased with airfare on Expedia.com for summer travel this year.
2. Europe is affordable again
- Due to reductions in the cost of jet fuel and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, the European vacation is again within reach for many travelers. Compared to last summer's prices, average airfares to major European destinations have dropped for summer 2009 travel: London declined 23 percent, Paris declined 27 percent and Rome declined 26 percent. Hotel prices this summer, compared to last summer, have also dropped across Europe: average daily rates (ADRs) in Barcelona are down 35 percent, ADRs in Rome are down 23 percent and ADRs in London are down 25 percent.
3. Tips: Saving on car rentals
- Book Together & Save: Adding a car rental to a vacation package (flight + hotel) could mean savings of up to 30 percent off retail rates.-
- Book Early: Reserve a car early and check back often for lower prices - on Expedia, there are no change penalties.
- Search Thoroughly: Sometimes a larger car class can be less expensive in a certain location based on the company's inventory. Take the time to review multiple car types while you're searching - you might be pleasantly surprised with what you can fit into your budget.
The complete Expedia Travel Trendwatch can be found at www.expedia.com/tips.
