Trends In The Travel Industry For 2013

     Each year, the travel industry has specific trends that directly effect the consumer and our ability to travel.  From what I am hearing, the biggest changes this year will be a continued increase in flight and car rental prices.  As usual, the airline industry will continue to offset increases in fuel, food, and payroll by charging more per ticket.  Regretfully these expenditures progressively rise year after year and force the flight industry to raise their rates.  You will also see increases in checked baggage fees as well as rates for flying first class, second class, business, and for those roomy seats by the emergency exits.  I have even heard that some airlines might even start to charge more for window and isle seats.  Another area that you will be hit hard in this year is when you rent a car.  The extra insurance that you pay for your rental car will increase substantially.  Insurance companies are pressed to make up for the colossal losses they suffered at the hands of "Super Storm Sandy" and thus will charge its clients more for that additional insurance.  Also, keep your eyes open for a merger between American Airlines and US Airways.  There is a strong possibility that this may happen around the middle of the year.  That snazzy new paint job and improved logo for American Airlines is not just a coincidence.  Of course, if you want to fly somewhere this year, book early.  Now through April will be the cheapest time to go, minus the two weeks around spring break (middle of March), next week to New Orleans when the Super Bowl comes to town and avoid all of those cute newlyweds in Las Vegas around Valentines Day.  If you want to sip an incredible cafe con leche in one of those adorable European cafes than go before May when prices will be relatively low to Europe.  If you are yearning to feel that powdery white sand of The Caribbean, than go in September, but don't forget that cancellation insurance.  Hurricanes have a real knack for ruining a perfectly good trip.  Lastly, if you want to hear those iconic bells of "Big Ben" than grab your umbrella and head over the pond in September.  With all the excitement of The Royal Wedding, The Diamond Jubilee, and The Olympics wrapping up, the prices for London should be back to normal and relatively cheap in September and October.  Oh, and if you want to get away before the New Year, leave between November 27th and December 12th.  This way, you can take advantage of the drop in prices during the gap between the holidays.  I hope that this will give you an idea of the big trends for travel in 2013.

A Forbes by Andrew Bender discussing the makeover of American Airlines
http://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewbender/2013/01/21/american-airlines-makeover-design-pros-weigh-in/