This prolonged cold, snowy spell may have some Iowans thinking about hopping a plane to warmer climates. If you have the Bahamas on your mind for a getaway, or if you’re considering a trip for the upcoming year-end holidays, travel agent Pauline Frommer says to be prepared to pay a pretty price.
“The best time to book holiday travel was about a month and a half ago,” Frommer says. “Now, you’re going to have to dip into your children’s college funds in order to do it and every day, from now until the holidays, the prices are just going to keep kicking up.” Prices this year are “outrageous,” and she says many hubs only have one carrier with no competition, so airfares are zooming.
If you do decide to book a flight, expect to pay more for luggage, in some case, even for carry-on bags. “Certain airlines, if you want to bring it into the cabin with you, they charge you,” Frommer says. “Most haven’t gotten to that level of insanity yet. What my family does, we only own carry-on bags. That way we have to be disciplined about packing light.”
Iowans who are dreaming of a cruise on warm ocean waters also need to be disciplined on their spending, as they may find themselves going overboard on expenses. “Make sure you budget for the extras they’re going to try and sell you onboard,” she says. “I had a cruise expert tell me that people who went into the casino in the course of a cruise spent 60% of the price of the cruise in that casino, and the same goes for the spa. Cruises can be inexpensive but be careful.” If you’re planning a trip, she suggests bundling the hotel and lodging costs together as a money saver.
By Karla James