Travel Outlook 2010

[Mountie]

Here we are almost at the end of the third quarter of 2009.



What about the general travel outlook for 2010 and what are you planning to and where are you thinking about visiting? Is the domestic economy going to improve? Is the US Dollar going to weaken or gain strength against the Euro? How will this currency relationship or at least your estimation of the exchange affect your travel plans?



What should LL be doing to better position their company for 2010?

[Mountie]

Well, it warms my heart to see all of the participation the community members have taken in this important thread. What changes are we going to see in 2010 with Luxury Link? They always come up with new innovations.

[bonniejoy03]

I am booked for 2010; Guatemala, Anguilla, Virgin Gorda. Will do overnights to DC and maybe Annapolis. Hoping for a nice short LL package somewhere in the Maryland/Delaware/DC region that accepts pups. Our new pup, MacKenzie Guinevere needs to experience travel. She is 4 months old and ready to hit the road! Still might squeeze one last trip at the end of 2010 but now sure where??? Might do a car purchase abroad and take their overseas delivery option...wouldn't that be fun!

[omegaet]

How about some patience, mountie. Takes time to ponder such a deep philosophical question.2010....well:


don't think you will see a huge strengthening of the US Dollar vs. the Euro.....so European destinationsthat have suffered these past three plus years from the drastic reduction of US travelers, will likely continue to see the same trend.....maybe even down more, with the increasing unemployment figures we'll likely see for some time.believe luxury travelers will continue to seek out unique and interesting destinations, but probably not so much in Europe....Far East still offers many bargains, great service and exceptional properties.....South America, one of our favorite destinations, will continue to increase tourism allocations and attract more and more visitors. Luxury Link has only scraped the surface in negotiating deals with four and five star properties in dynamic destinations in SA.....and remember, the US Dollar still goes a long ways in most of the countries.our guess is Luxury Link has NOT be sitting around waiting for the general US economy to improve in order to increase their presence on the net or share of the luxury travel business....likely the brain trust has been sequestered in the "war room" and will be rolling our new and interesting products and services for their loyal fan base.


We just have to have patience....keep our "powder dry" and be prepared to pounce on the new opportunities when they are announced.



Do I have any idea of what I am talking about here?



Of course not! It's speculation......but keep your eyes open.



My money says Luxury Link has a lot of great surprises in store for us for the coming year!


p.s..also noticed the Conde Nast Traveler 22nd Annual Readers Choice Awards went to a number of the resorts already clients of Luxury Link..and Im pretty sure LL is working on signing up many of those not yet in the program!

[kyshel]

We're just beginning to bid for vacation weeks 2010. Although we can often book enough "days off" (as opposed to working days) we like to set one two-week period for an "exotic/extended" trip.

I'm working on a small-craft Nile cruise to explore Luxor and Aswan areas.

I'd love to make another trip to South Africa (dodging all World Cup events). The rand exchanges well to the dollar and costs in SA are reasonable-cars, petrol, food, wine.

I agree that we need more property options in Central and South America where the dollar has value.

Asia has serious attraction to us with the NW/DL merger adding new access to a very price-friendly continent.

Eastern Europe still appeals to me--I'd love to see more offers for Czech Republic towns like Brno, Karlovy-Vary, or unique places like Bratislava, Croatia (Split/Dubrovnik etc)

[Mountie]

I have to agree with both kyshel and omegaet, the LL sales team really needs to focus on more destinations in South America. I keep seeing way too many properties in Central America, especially in Costa Rica. The country is full of resorts and more opening every day, it seems.



That translates to way too many tourists.



It is nice to see the Orient-Express Peru offers back up for bid, but their starting prices have increased a great deal since first appearing several years ago.



There have to be more luxury choices available in Chile, Argentina and maybe Columbia, Uruguay. If I'm going to fly that distance to get to South America, I want several extended choices for my vacation.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi M. I agree with you. I was soooo happy to see the Orient Express packages offered to Peru again but the price is soooo high. I also agree with you about Costa Rica. You might want to add Belize to the list also. The Ambergris Caye area is also expanding. Would LOVE to see more Central and South American properties that are considered "up and coming" and ARE NOT charging overpriced amounts!! Are people actually paying these prices to stay at properties????

[kyshel]

I am sadly seeing lots of new "condo" type properties--many are "vacation" destinations as opposed to "travel" destinations.
I find a distinctive difference between the two--one involves doing little and relaxing (a la vacation). The other involves regional interests; cultural and activity-oriented options (what I consider travel).

I think there are vacationers and travelers. I am happily guilty of rarely taking a vacation (LL Hacienda Tres Rios--pure decadent vacation) yet much happier traveling to Africa on safari, to Budapest for day trips/culture and city touring, or the Amazon for a little boating...maybe a spa stopover working my way thru Bali...

I guess drawing the fine line between pleasing the masses and catering to specialty travel may be getting blurred at LL. I understand profitability (most of you know, I'm "involved" with the airline industry, so I get THAT!).

I'm just a bit sad to see more of what I deem rather "commercial" property offers in the forefront.
My humble opinion--anyone else want to weigh in?

[jamaicagurl]

Hi D,



I think the general travel outlook will be a little better, but people will continue to look for great deals and maybe travel close to home. I am planning a trip to Boston, MA late September 2010. I have my budget set so things look good. However, I do feel a little guilty traveling while so many others are not doing so well. By the way, just returned from my first Luxury Link vacation. I won a bid to stay at Seaside Cottage, Montego Bay, Jamaica.This was my 4th visit to the island and once again we had a great vacation.



I think LL is doing a great job!



Jamaicagurl.

[Mountie]

jamaicagurl, how about a review for your stay at Seaside Cottage?