Soaring gas prices, a weak dollar, passport delays, hurricanes– these were just some of the hassles that travelers had to deal with in 2007. In the Chicago Tribune, James Gilden says all these problems– and more– will be back in 2008.
On gas prices: “With increased global demand, instability in the Middle East and hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, we might look back fondly on $3.03.”
On the weak dollar: “2008 may be the year to stick around the U.S. or visit a country with a more favorable exchange rate unless $5 for a cup of coffee in London doesn’t faze you.” My take: As long as you avoid the Euro and the pound, travel shouldn’t be prohibitively expensive. And perhaps U.S. travelers can take the poor exchange rate as an excuse to visit a part of the world they wouldn’t ordinarily– Asia, North Africa, Eastern Europe, South America– all of which remain relatively affordable.
On frequent flier programs: “Most major airlines this year adopted rules allowing frequent-flier miles to expire if there is no account activity, usually within a three-year (or shorter) period… Redeeming miles for seats is tougher than ever.”
Whole thing here.
Enough pessimism, Chicago Tribune! Now for the good news…
Flights are, generally speaking, getting cheaper every year. The world is more accessible to us than at any time in history. Traveling in most parts of Asia and South America is still ridiculously cheap, and I’ve got a year-long trip planned starting in July. Now that’s good news!