A return to normalcy from the pandemic has arrived with a massive resurgence in travel and tourism. This has brought the inevitable revival of the hospitality industry from the economic slowdown faced during lockdowns. Due to the high demand for travel, companies have increased the prices of their services to make up for the lost time.
Most tourists have a strong pent-up demand for travel, which may not be satiated for long. Thus, the hospitality industry is expected to stay buoyant for months. However, businesses would have to manage a high influx of tourists from within the country and from abroad. Meanwhile, rising living costs would mean increased airfare and travelling fees.
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To top it all, inflation has reached its highest level in many years, with fuel and gas prices skyrocketing. Airline cancellations and delays are also on the rise, making it harder for companies to manage rising expenses. Thus, travellers can expect to see these cost hikes being passed on to them.
Travellers can follow these simple measures to manage higher costs-
- Planning well in advance: Last-minute bookings are a much more expensive affair than bookings made in advance. In some cases, the plan may materialise late, but if the travel destination and duration are known, travellers should not wait to make the bookings.
- Utilising booking flexibility: Many airlines are offering more flexible ways to book a flight in the post-pandemic landscape. This can help avert the massive costs associated with cancellations and last-minute rescheduling. Most airlines are now offering a costless option to reschedule bookings.
- Do not ignore travel insurance: The biggest takeaway from the pandemic period is that it is always best to be prepared for uncertainty. Travellers might find it more economical to choose travel insurance if their trip is overall expensive. This can help avert the financial damage attached to last-minute cancellations, which are a common occurrence in the post-pandemic world.
- Watch out for airline fare drops: Checking out for price drops on a ticket that has been booked is a lesser-known hack. Airlines offer refunds on refundable tickets if the price of the same ticket drops over time. The fare difference is returned to the traveller, saving a couple of extra dollars on the journey.
- Choose an off-beat destination: For domestic travel, it is best to choose the locations where international tourists are less likely to wind up. Travellers should opt for package deals that can combine travel and staying costs as they are generally more economical. Choosing a less popular travel destination can help avert inflated accommodation and related costs.
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- Avail company schemes: Many airlines and hotel companies offer a bunch of attractive schemes that may go unnoticed. The post-pandemic era is the best time to utilise these schemes, which include redeeming past points, joining a membership, etc. These schemes, when joined together, can help save some more dollars on the trip.
All in all, travel in the post-pandemic climate can be a refreshing retreat, but it can come with additional costs. Consumers can pay extra attention to minor details on their bookings and save a lot on their entire trip. Additionally, it is important to be prepared for any possibility in the present context. Being an economical traveller in today’s time is a hassle but can be worth all the effort!
SOURCE: KALKINE MEDIA
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