Affordable Luxury Category

[Mountie]

Nothing against my fellow European community members, but I would like to see LL increase their auctionofferings in North, Central and South America. With the present (and near future outlook) exchange rate between the $Dollar and the Euro, I don't care how low the auction prices are for European destinations, it's just too expensive for me to make the trip. Maybe a new travel category. Anyone else have any thoughts on the subject? Thank you.



Message Edited by Mountie on 05-27-200712:16 PM

[CMDAVILACLI]

Hi Mountie,

I agree with you... I'd love to see moreauctions for Mexico, USA and Canada... the exchange rate between the Euro/USDollar is really hampering my ability to vacation in Europe... plus I live in the Northwest so flying anywhere also puts a big ding in my pocketbook right away. I read with great envy the wonderful comments from our community about inexpensive airfares around Europe, and I can barely fly from Seattle to Los Angeles for under $300.00 RT let alone someplace cool like Prague or Paris...or exotic likeTurkey or South Africa!



So how about some wonderful warm weather packagesto New Mexico or Southern California, or skiing in Mammoth Lakes, CA or Lake Tahoe? I'd also love to see something for Santa Barbara or San Juan Capistrano (CA) too!

Cathy

[Mountie]

Well Fellow Members, what do you think about a new catagory called "Affordable Luxury" Destinations? It certainly seems to be slowing down in the general economy here in the US and as such, there will probably be fewer and fewer people who can afford the air fares to get to many of the present destinations offered on LuxuryLink? Is it just me noticing this and the rest of you are still rolling in money? Thank you.

[CMDAVILACLI]

Hi Mountie,

Great idea for affordable luxury destinations. I totally agree with you about how the airfare here in the Western USA affects my ability toconsider bidding onmost of theLL packages.Even though the airfare really doesn't have anything to do with LL, it is, in fact, the number one reason Ido not bid onmost of the LL package offerings.

To give an example of the high cost of flying from the USA West Coast... , I am trying to book my daughter's ticket to Europe... she leaves August 15th going to Madrid and returning from Budapest on December 24th. So far, the cheapest I have been able to find for aSTUDENT rate is approx $1375.00 (using regular search engines, the prices vary from $1700. to $4500.00 for a coach seat! - and these dates selected are ones that offered the largest discount for the general time period).

So the question becomes... what would be considered an "affordable luxury destination"? What were you thinking?

Cathy

[bonniejoy03]

I need to add my two cents. I agree with finding "affordable luxury travel." We were fortunate to spend the 80's and early 90's in Eastern and Western Europe. At the time, travel was relatively inexpensive (especially Eastern Eurorpe). As the exchange rate changed, we moved to the Caribbean and South Pacific in the 90's. Then, airfare went up...so, now, for affordable luxury, we head to Central America. The exchange is fantastic. The scenary is beautiful.Airfare is still reasonable and prices for upscale properties is less than any other destination.

[Syrene-1]

I am confused. How would your suggestion work given the fact that people from all over the world bid on and buy packages from LL?

[Mountie]

syrene-1, are you asking about my suggestion?

Message Edited by Mountie on 05-27-200712:17 PM

[omegaet]

Mountie wrote:

Well Fellow Members, what do you think about a new catagory called "Affordable Luxury" Destinations? It certainly seems to be slowing down in the general economy here in the US and as such, there will probably be fewer and fewer people who can afford the air fares to get to many of the present destinations offered on LuxuryLink? Is it just me noticing this and the rest of you are still rolling in money? Thank you.





mountie....are you suggesting LLincrease alternate geographic destinations (destinations other than those in the European Union)? Or are you suggesting alternate properties that might be considered a notch or two below those properties currently being featured? Or are you suggesting a combination of both?Foreign air fares aside (LL can't do much about the fares airlines choose to charge), what would you see as the main thrust of this "Affordable Luxury" category? You may be on to a good suggestion, but I would like to hear more of what you have in mind.

[Mountie]

I guess I am suggesting a whole new travel category and we could call it Affordable Luxury. Think about air travel. If it is a long haul international flight with a foreign airlines, you are often offered the choices of flying tourist, business or first class. Just depends on your budget. Why not have luxurylink provide choices? Of course, it would be nice to always stay in the five star properties, but a lot of us might be willing to stay in a three or four star property and still be able to afford the trip. Does this give you an idea of what I am suggesting? Thank you.

Message Edited by Mountie on 05-27-200712:17 PM

[jashermd]

Hello,

Maybe it's because I'm looking at things from the opposite side of the pond, but I think that if LL develops a new category it shouldn't be limited to the Americas....the Central and South American destinations which are so affordable for people living in the US are really expensive to get to for anyone living over here! Affordable luxury options over here would be very much appreciated.

Of course, affordable is all relative -- how will it be defined? Should there be an upper price limit? If so, what should it be? $500 per night? $300 per night?

(I'm not necessarily suggesting either of these -- it's just an example).

Cheers,
Julian