Happy New Year! As we embark into a new decade, I thought it would be nice to take a walk down memory lane as it pertains to travel.

The last decade in the travel industry has been a weird one to say the least. Initially, the decade started out very optimistically with more destinations and online technology being easily accessible by more of the masses. However, the optimism turned pretty quickly with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This day in history forever changed a lot in the world, and changing the way we travel was no exception.

From there, it seemed to go downhill: the 2003 SARS outbreak, skyrocketing fuel costs in 2005, and the foiled 2006 terrorist plot by 25 people in Britain causing the 3 ounce liquid rule to be imposed are only a few of the major occurrences that forever changed the way we travel. And, that’s not to mention the 2007 passport requirement to fly between North American countries, baggage fees being implemented by most airlines in 2008, and the economic meltdown over the last two years.

As a result of these occurrences, a lot has changed in the travel industry in a relatively short amount of time such as:

• Increased security at airports, piers, and border crossings
• Fewer flights with higher demand so planes are full and at a higher price
• More people driving when possible because they don’t want to be bothered with the headache of the airports for shorter distance trips
• Increased popularity in cruising since it’s more convenient and less expensive than many air/land vacation packages

True, the decade has been a challenging one. Not surprisingly, however, people continue to travel. Travel is what makes the world go round. For many of us, travel is considered a birthright and not just a luxury as it is for so many others in the world.

For some travelers, the craziness of the past decade has made them either fearful or unwilling to participate with all of the changes in the way we now travel. For others including the savviest of travelers, the changes have been viewed as a huge opportunity. Some of the best travel deals have taken place immediately post 9/11 and even better deals have been available in recent months as a direct result of the economic crisis. These travelers have taken full advantage of cheap airfares, resort, and tour packages all over the world.

So, what does this mean for 2010 and beyond? Ultimately, we’ll have to wait and see. However, it’s being predicted that leisure travel will bounce back in a big way. Rates for most types of travel are expected to increase as those who have been apprehensive about traveling over the last two years are expected to take that long-overdue trip they’ve been putting off. 

Other factors to consider:

• More people are booking their travel much farther out compared to a year ago. While last minute planning was the way to go for a while, the availability for a last minute trip at an exceptional price is not abundant as it once was.
• Fewer people are booking trips online compared to 1-2 years ago. Online agencies are great for research, but more people are realizing that their peace of mind working with a Travel Professional outweighs the false belief of saving a couple of dollars.
• Seasonal itineraries such as Alaska and Europe are already seeing higher demand compared to this time last year. Most cruise lines will have one less ship in Alaska this summer, for example, so rates and availability will not be as plentiful as in recent years. 
• Luxury travel providers are already seeing higher demand compared to this time last year
• Cruise travel will continue to do well and resort packages are expected to increase in demand. Expect the rates for both to increase steadily over the next year.
• Family travel (including family reunions and destination weddings) is a trend that continues to grow exponentially. Families are finding exceptional cruise and resort values.

If you are planning to travel any time during 2010, my advice is to plan early and have a plan.  Work with a Travel Professional who specializes in the area or type of travel you require. And, be sure to check with your airline or cruise line for any changes in security screening since the rules tend to change rapidly these days. Finally, remember that your travel is meant to be FUN, so don’t let the changes that have happened over the last decade deter you from enjoying your much-deserved vacation.

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