In the travel business, it's the best time of the year to go on vacation almost anywhere in the world! The weather is pretty great (with the exception of a few places), and the crowds have all but disappeared.
Another very important fact to consider; this time is called "shoulder season". Travel costs are now half what they were even a month ago! Plus travel and tour companies always start promoting their very best values and specials! So not only do you "pay less", you get more! It's always been one of my favorite times to plan vacations for my guests. Because it's also much easier for me to get even more perks for everyone!
Now this is not to be confused with something we used to call "last minute deals"! This is a topic I still hear people talk about, and I believe it deserves mention in this post. This practice is no longer the rule, it is in fact a rare exception! The airlines figured it out a long time ago, and that is why you almost never see airfare go down within thirty days of travel! The cruise lines were the largest offenders of this tactic, until they realized they were causing far more trouble, than revenue! Travelers today are much more savvy, and because of the internet more willing to wait! The problem was the ships were not filling up, because everyone was waiting! Then the cruise lines would issue these insanely low fares, but not enough travelers were able to take advantage of them. (Not a lot of folks are able to drop their lives, family, and work, and leave in a week!) But the real issues came up when folks who had booked their cruise a year and six months in advance, found out about these low fares from fellow travelers who had paid half the amount! People were not happy! The cruise lines had such dissatisfaction to deal with they "officially announced" last year they would no longer be issuing "last minute deals"!
One of my personal favorites (besides Hawaii of course!) are the Disney Theme Parks! Although it is still very humid in Florida for some people, the benefits often out-weigh the heat! The crowds have definitely lightened, making it so much easier to do all your favorite things with out standing in line for hours! It also becomes possible to now get dining reservations at the most "impossible" locations! (That would be "Be Our Guest" and "Cinderella's Royal Table", to name just two!) At the same time in Disneyland; the weather is perfect, many of the schools are back in session, and the parks are getting ready for the holidays! This transition time does mean that some of the attractions are "closed for refurbishment". But the casual atmosphere, and the absence of lines an hour and longer, makes it all worth while!
My final thoughts would be on my passion, my heart, the place I love most in the world... Hawai'i! In my mind, it's the perfect destination all year round! The average temperature is about 82 degrees, and very little humidity, except in July and August. With more and more travelers looking for more "experience" related travel, Hawai'i is actually being viewed as an entirely new destination! The culture and history of Hawai'i is amazing and wonderful! I myself continue to study and learn even after a lifetime of visits! I believe that once you get passed the hotels, beaches, and luau, this is when you discover the real beauty and essence of the islands I love so much! I think it is also when people discover that each of the islands are very different. Each island has something unique and wonderful to share, and it's why repeat visits become a part of your life! (They sure did for me!)
There is no denying this industry I love so much, has changed dramatically in the past ten years. But my passion for travel, and planning vacations has only become stronger! The more I learn, the more I want to share it with my guests!
I hope your summer has been fun and filled with memories! I look forward to hearing from you soon to plan your perfect "vacation experience"!
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