The Café has 10 good reasons to defy the doomsters, so don't just sit there, do something -

There's doom and gloom being predicted everywhere for travel as fuel costs soar, airlines cut capacity and consumers worldwide watch their dollars and cents in anticipation of increased costs in everything.

In the US, travel watcher, Timothy O'Neil-Dunne, on this blog, wrote: "Industry-wide, we're likely to see reductions of approximately 10,000 employees within the American airline industry. This is based on the direct result of airline cutbacks either announced or in my estimation that have to be announced. I project that the total job losses within the travel industry could exceed 150,000 by mid-2009."

Japan Travel Bureau is also forecasting a fall in domestic summer travel for the first time in four years while overseas bookings will decline for a second year "on rising fuel costs and a worsening economic outlook".

According to their forecasts, the number of trips within Japan will dip about 1 percent from a year earlier to 73.5 million during the vacation season of July 15 to August 31. Travel abroad may fall 7 percent to 2.25 million trips. Japanese visits within Asia may decline about 12 percent to 1.14 million as tourism to China will fall 37 percent, JTB forecasts.

All this, the Café thinks, is good news for lusty travellers like yourself.

Here are 10 reasons why the Café believes it's the best time to travel, how you can make the most of it and where you should go.

1. Planes will not be as packed.

It's been crazy the past two years, trying to get seats and then flying on full flights, especially when you have to fly cattle class. Now you can actually get an empty seat next to you. So why pay for that business class ticket when you can fly empty at the back?

2. Places will not be as packed.

My friend went to Yellowstone National Park in the US and found it relatively quiet, compared to peak years when Americans were themselves out in droves. Imagine, too, you could actually see Mt Fuji minus the bobbing heads of Japanese students on their school excursions.

And think of the shorter queues for your families at attractions such as Disneyland.

3. Fuel surcharges may be high but the base fares will come down as airlines compete for passengers.

This is the time, if you are looking for good fares, to try alternate airlines to those flag carriers you normally fly when times are good and your companies are not watching your expense account.

Even with premium carriers, look out for deals. (This writer flew last week and found fares on the same route that she's been flying for the last several years on the same airline 40% lower than before.)

4. This is the best time to go longhaul.

With the global squeeze on, carriers around the world will be offering bargains. Travel to the US – okay, the security restrictions will still put you off but the dollar is weak and they want your business.

Go to Las Vegas and catch Cirque de Soleil's Love, featuring the music of the Beatles. It will be a while before that comes to Asia. Fly into the US with SIA via Houston – we are told those flights need filling up. Go to Europe in the off-peak autumn months.

5. If travelling to Europe, take a flight that gives you a stopover in the Middle East (cheaper and as good an experience other than their nightmarish airports).

Go to the newer spots – Abu Dhabi or Oman, the former for their construction feats and the latter for the stunning scenery.

6. Travel to China post-Olympics.

There'll be sure to be plenty of bargains around. Visit Chengdu and say hello to the pandas. Then hop on a direct flight to Taiwan and be part of history.

7. Travel to Australia.

Sure, the Aussie dollar may be strong which is why Australians are travelling out in record numbers but their inbound numbers are down so they will welcome you as well. Just shop less. But drink as much – wine in Australia's fantastic value compared to what we pay in Asia.

8. Go to Myanmar.

The people there need your business. And it's still the most beautiful place to make memories.

9. Don't forget New Zealand.

It may cost more to fill up your camper van with petrol but those wonderfully scenic roads will help you to forget the pain at the pump.

10. Make a bee line for your own backyard and discover what gives it a buzz.

With fewer tourists coming in, there will be more room to move among local attractions. Slow down, be a tourist for a day and discover your own town or city anew.

www.thetransitcafe.com