Expedia.com’s latest study found US air traffic to be rising and predicted spring break to be as strong as last year, among other trends.
“Following the peak holiday travel season, many find that winter is a great time to beat the crowds and uncover off-peak travel deals,” said Chris McGinnis, editor of the Expedia Travel Trendwatch (TM).
He added:
“But travel during winter is nothing compared to the take-off we’ll see when spring-breakers head for resorts and popular destinations in March and April.”
Expedia.Com in its study by Harris Interactive found:
Ø Sixteen percent more US adults plan to travel by air this spring.
Ø “All signs point to this spring break season being as busy as last year, continuing the pattern of the recent park winter holiday season,” said Expedia.
Ø Airlines are continuing to raise rates despite declining fuel prices.
Ø Unseasonably warm temperatures in parts of the US could mean deeper discounts being offered in warm weather destinations such as Florida and the Caribbean.
Ø Recent changes in passport requirements do not appear to be dampening interest in overseas trips, despite a weak U.S. dollar and concern over new passport requirements,
Ø Americans are still traveling internationally.
Ø The study found cruise pricing softest in the Caribbean, while pricing for European or Alaskan itineraries remains firm.
Report by David Wilkening
