2009 value travel forecast reveals savings of up to 59 percent and reveals that in 2009, finding the best deal is all about choosing the right destination at the right time.
CheapTickets.com, a leading online travel agency that knows "the less you pay, the better it feels®," today announced its 2009 Value Travel Forecast, an in-depth analysis of 2008 hotel pricing trends that projects the destinations expected to offer the most value to travelers in the New Year.
According to a recent CheapTickets "Cheaponomy" survey, travel ranks No. 2 among the leisure activities that consumers are still trying to afford in today's economy.
(1) The Value Travel Forecast offers a month-by-month roadmap of where and when consumers can travel in 2009 to get the most bang for their buck.
"For many in the coming year, choosing a destination that fits a tighter budget will be a key factor in deciding where and when to vacation," said Marita Hudson Thomas, a Cheaponomist(SM) from CheapTickets.com. "We created the forecast to help travelers identify the trends that can help them plan in advance and still save."
From exotic international cities to domestic hidden gems, the Value Travel Forecast identifies the best budget-friendly opportunities for 2009 that will keep consumers traveling throughout the year. Noteworthy highlights include:
- Exotic international destinations reign as the best budget travel destinations in 2009: Hong Kong (59 percent in January), Brazil (58 percent in April) and Greece (58 percent in November).
- Stateside, hidden gems in the off-season lead: Napa Valley (56 percent in December), Portland, ME (53 percent in March) and Tucson, AZ (52 percent in August).
- Think a European vacation is out of the question? Think again. Consider an apres holiday trip to Italy or France, which offers 35-42 percent savings in February compared to peak rates.
- Can't go the year without fun in the sun? Simply bump up your tropical escape to fall instead of winter and save up to 58 percent in Greece, Mexico and Hawaii, among others.
