Nov 3, 2008 6:37 pm US/Eastern
Cutting Corners: Holiday Travel Tips
Tis The Time To Find Early-Season Holiday Travel Bargains
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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With the holiday outlook mixed because of a poor economy, the retail sector may hold bargains for the consumer
CBS
Now is the time when many travelers are booking flights for the upcoming holiday season, and savvy consumers are finding some deals if they remain flexible in their plans.
It's believed 35 to 40 million people will travel this holiday season according to the
American Automobile Association.
"We're expecting about four percent over last year," said Juan Rivera of Miami's AAA.
"I'm going to Toronto" said Phillip Britas to
CBS4 Reporter Gwen Belton. Britas, who said he plans to visit family and friends over the holidays, is looking for bargains on the Internet and with travel agents.
Many travelers are hoping transportation costs will go down as fuel prices plummet. But travel industry experts say don't count on it, because those fuel surcharges added last year haven't gone away.
"Fares have not gone down," explained travel agent Elsa Duarte, "They're actually higher than a year ago today."
Duarte of Miami Business Travel Advisors said there are some deals out there, however, one must have to be flexible with a schedule.
For example, if you plan to fly to Atlanta for the Thanksgiving Day weekend, Duarte says, you could typically get for Atlanta for a $206 round trip if you fly out on Thanksgiving or the Friday after. But if you plan to leave the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving, or stay a few extra days, that same flight could cost $350 or more.
She suggests doing research on the Internet, or consider a travel agent who can also assist in bargains ahead of time.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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