Kayak reports steady interest in travel with increased concerns on cost

Cash-strapped consumers are worried about job security, the economy and shrinking savings. The travel industry has responded with deals for winter, spring and beyond. Kayak.com travel experts say the time to book is now.

"People are still interested in traveling over the coming months, but we’ve seen they’re spending more time searching, comparing and discussing vacation decisions with traveling companions," Brian Harniman, Kayak.com EVP of marketing and distribution said. "The good news is that deals on winter and spring getaways are more plentiful than we’ve seen in recent years. Airlines are launching winter fare sales that are lasting through spring. Hotels are lowering prices and adding value components such as free nights and vouchers for entertainment and dining."

A recent survey conducted by Kayak.com found that price trumps location in prospective travelers’ minds. The survey’s most telling statistics found the following:

76 percent of Kayakers plan to travel this winter
50 percent said the credit crunch is biting into their winter travel plans and will result in fewer trips this winter
77 percent of people will look at price and value as the biggest factors in deciding whether to take a winter getaway

In order to enjoy some vacation time, survey respondents are considering several cost saving tactics. The most popular tactics mentioned include:

Opting for domestic travel destinations over those abroad
Taking advantage of off-season pricing rather than escaping to the Caribbean in the high season and  choosing a destination that offers a free place to stay.

Kayak.com offers a number of tips to keep travel costs down:

Where To Go:

    1. Choose an off-season destination.     

    2. Consider a cruise. 

   3. Flexibility is the key to avoiding expensive rush hour fares for
       air travel 
   
    4. Know your fare history. Prices are fluctuating more than usual
       and seasonal rules don’t apply in this economy.  .
       If fares are coming down, purchase.

    5. Track fares. If you’re not ready to make your purchase, let Kayak.com
       track fares for you.   

    6. Be flexible with airport and airline. It’s no secret that frequent
       flier miles aren’t as valuable as they used to be.  Consider flying
       another carrier if it means booking a great deal.  

    7. The total cost of a flight doesn’t end with the ticket purchase.
       To help travelers calculate how much their trip will really cost,
       Kayak.com provides an airline-fee chart on the results page that
       allows travelers to easily view and compare an airline’s policy
       for luggage, in-flight food, beverage and other fees in one location.

Source: Kayak