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When we asked consumers nationwide about their travel plans for PwC’s 2017 Holiday Outlook, 39% told us they are planning to travel over the holidays . Of those, 50% will visit family; sometimes the holidays are the only time when the family travels together to visit relatives.
But holiday travel can be pricey. For the 42% of our survey respondents who cite vacation as their main travel goal for the holidays, the beach is by far the most popular destination. What about other options?
To find out, I asked my colleague Scott Berman, who leads the hospitality and leisure group at PwC. Here’s what he told me: “There’s only so much beach inventory out there, especially after this active hurricane season. Those who have flexible schedules should consider travelling just before or just after the holidays — because the holidays are among the busiest times to travel.”
More for your money
The holiday travelers in our survey are budgeting $1,216 apiece for travel expenses during the season. Scott said that budget would go a lot farther a little earlier — or a little later. Not to mention an added bonus: fewer crowds everywhere. He said, “For many hotels, resorts, and cruise ships, the two weeks before the peak holiday season — which for travel extends from just before Christmas to just after New Year’s — are among the slowest of the year. And the two weeks after are also fairly slow.”
He added that anyone who can travel during these less-busy periods — retirees, independent contractors, full-time workers with flexible schedules, students whose vacations extend beyond the peak holiday season — will find enticing options. The deals are good and plenty.
Flexibility and value
Scott told me that some destinations — in the quest for pre- and post-holiday traffic — have found innovative solutions; Miami Beach, for example. By attracting an international art festival — Art Basel — the city turned what used to be one of the slowest tourism weeks of the year in early December into one of the hottest tickets in town.
Meanwhile, leisure providers are finding ways to offer both flexibility and value. Scott said, “For flexibility, consider cruising.” Since holiday travel is often family-oriented, Scott said special child- and teen-friendly spaces, menus, and activities are commonplace. Before and after the holidays, the “teen room” may become a library or other more adult-focused space. Menus and activities could also change to appeal more especially to retirees or couples on a romantic getaway.
For value, he said major hotel brands are developing new options for younger travelers, who like — but can’t afford — luxury offerings. Unless, of course, they’re travelling with their parents. For those who aren’t traveling with their parents, brands are offering all the creature comforts demanding travelers want in hotels — via small footprints loaded up with amenities.
“They’re showing that guests can feel pampered, even in a small space,” Scott told me, adding that while these rooms are available year-round, many are already booked for the holidays. He said, “When friends and family ask me for advice, because I’ve been immersed in this industry for more than 30 years, here’s what I tell them, ‘For a taste of luxury, especially if you’re flexible about your dates, go immediately before or immediately after the holidays.’ “
Deals before and after the peak holiday season allow hotels to introduce their brands to new segments of travelers, Scott said. Travelers, meanwhile, can explore otherwise unaffordable options. “So that’s my advice this holiday travel season,” Scott added. “Be flexible in your dates. And you might just make your dream vacation a reality.”
