Timing is Everything
| posted by David GoodisYou know they’re out there – the deeply discounted travel deals, just waiting for the right traveler to book at the right time. Internet-savvy globetrotters, have your credit card ready because today could be your lucky day.
More and more, people are booking travel plans closer to the time of travel. The Travel Industry Association (TIA) reports that a whopping 42% of weekend travelers confirm travel plans within two weeks of their trip.
The travel technology industry has created an interesting dynamic – with so much information available, it’s now possible for travelers to find great travel deals, with or without a travel agent. Travel bargains can be found for virtually any kind of trip, even longer overseas trips – though savings of course vary based on destination, timing, and a slew of other factors.
I’ve watched the travel technology industry evolve over the last decade. Working with travel agents and vendors, I’ve come to learn just how many options travelers have. There are websites out there to help travelers find the best deals, including lastminute.com and farecast.com. But if you want to book a last minute trip on your own, you’ll need to be ready and willing to put in some time for research.
If you’re short on time (and who isn’t?) it could be worth your time to hire a travel agent. Travel agents have access to technology software that simplifies the search process and presents the information in a manageable way. And because agents are knowledgeable about the travel industry, they can find travel deals you’d likely miss on your own.
Booking travel trends may change over time, but one thing’s for sure – technology will continue to shape the industry, especially when it comes to booking travel.
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