Affordable prices

Apr 3, 2009 10:34 GMT  ·  By

A ticket to London this summer can cost even under $500, and similarly, airfare to Rome is down an average of $327 per ticket, airfare to Miami is 28% cheaper, while hotel rates for the sunny destination have been cut 17% and as much as 30% for Las Vegas. Apart from the global recession affecting tourism, all these destinations have in common deep discounts that can be identified via Live Search Farecast. In the 2009 Summer Travel Forecast Microsoft revealed that the prices of European airfare had decreased by 19% from 2008, while hotels in the U.S. offer 14% less expensive rates.

“During this global recession, many travelers aren’t necessarily considering where they’re traveling, but if they can afford to travel at all this summer,” explained Joel Grus, Fareologist from Live Search Farecast. “Recently, airlines anticipated weak demand and reacted by cutting capacity. However, they underestimated the decrease in consumer travel, and I expect the airlines will re-correct with additional capacity cuts, meaning these low fares may not last long. For those who have room in their budgets for a vacation this summer, it could be one of the best years to travel in a long time.”

According to the 2009 Summer Travel Forecast, traveling in Europe in May 2009 could save travelers as much as 24% in fares compared to 2008. “In summer 2008 airfare to Europe averaged $1,300, but this summer the outlook leans in favor of the traveler with prices averaging just over $1,000 per ticket,” Grus added. “Keep in mind those are just averages, and savvy travelers can find deals for far less. Recently I observed fares to Paris for $320, London for $457, and Rome for $664.”

A ticket from New York to Paris in June comes with a price tag of just $600, while flying from Boston to Madrid costs just $652 per ticket. At the same time, the 2009 Summer Travel Forecast indicates that hotel rates across the U.S. are down considerably compared to 2008: 32% in NY, 27% in Denver. On average, hotel fares are 27% cheaper, the software giant informs.

“If you can’t afford to fly this summer, you still have options for getting away and enjoying some leisure time,” Grus explained. “Last year we heard a lot about the ‘staycation,’ and with gas prices looking to stay stable this summer, it may be the perfect time to drive to one of these cities near you. If it’s nearby, head to Chicago, where hotel rates are down 20 percent since last year, for the opening of the Modern Wing at the Art Institute or the Harry Potter exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry.”