BOOKING TRAVEL EARLY CAN PROVIDE BIGGER SAVINGS THAN LAST-MINUTE DEALS
Contiki Offering Up to $1,250 Savings if 2004 Travel Booked by Dec. 31
Consumers who have been conditioned to wait until the last minute to book their trips to get the best deals will find that trend is changing due to increased consumer confidence, better travel protection services and additional incentives being offered for those who book in advance rather than wait until the last minute.
Industry experts expect the travel industry to rebound in 2004 and with that, many eleventh-hour discounts that consumers have come to expect will be harder to find. According to the TIA's Annual Travel Forecast, overall traveler spending will increase four to five percent in 2004 to $568 billion, up from $544 billion in 2003.
Hoping to attract those early bookings, companies like Contiki Holidays, which specializes in vacations for 18- to 35-year-olds, are offering huge savings for travelers who book their 2004 travel by the end of the year. Passengers who book an air-inclusive Contiki European Fly n' Tour by December 31, 2003 will receive companion airfare for just $99 when a second identical package is booked. Offer is valid for travel between April 1 and October 31, 2004, which could mean savings of up to $1,250 on next year's peak season travel.
"Last-minute bookings have become so popular that people believe they are getting the best deal by waiting. We're showing travelers that booking early does pay off," said Lisa Wooldridge, director of marketing for Contiki Holidays. "Travelers shouldn't wait to book their 2004 vacations; they could save hundreds of dollars if they plan ahead."
Contiki is offering an additional Early Bird discount for passengers that book up to six months in advance. Travelers can save up to five percent on any tour listed in Contiki's new 2004 Europe brochure. This means an additional savings of up to $199 per person for booking in advance.
For added peace of mind when booking in advance, Contiki is part of parent company The Travel Corporation's new $10 million Consumer Protection Plan that protects against company insolvency or bankruptcy. This is in addition to the $1 million Consumer Protection Plan Contiki maintains through the USTOA.
Contiki offers more than 100 escorted tours throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S. Call (888)CONTIKI or visit http://www.contiki.com.
