It may seem a bit early to start thinking of the holidays, but experienced holiday travelers know that travel plans should be booked months in advance. Waiting until later in the year will mean higher fares, less flexible scheduling, and more headaches. Travel companies also know this and travel deals are now heating up in the race to book last-minute summer and fall travelers.
The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has declared September to be “Travel Together Now!” month. The organization, a nonprofit that represents tour operators, is offering special deals through its website during the month. Customers can receive deals on group travel to locations in every continent, including Antarctica.
“Our members’ business patterns tell us that September is when travelers like to book their bucket-list journeys, so we brought all the deals together in September to give them easy access,” said Terry Dale, President and CEO the USTOA. “It’s the first time USTOA has ever orchestrated such an extensive promotion, and we’re certain travelers will find their perfect trip among the array of offers.”
Other travel companies are wrapping up the summer of 2014 with new deals on worldwide travel.
Travel distribution company Last Minute Travel this week announced that it now offers over 10,000 different “travel activities, attractions, and transfers” through its website. The company, which competes with other travel distribution companies such as Orbitz and CheapTickets, offers shows, tours, and other events at a discount off retail prices. The site offers booking for activities and transfers in 85 countries across the world, in addition to flight and hotel booking.
“By booking their trip activities and transportation in advance, savvy travelers can save time, anxiety, and money,” said Ofir Cohen, EVP of Global Activities and Groups for Last Minute Travel. “Whether customers are traveling somewhere specifically for an experience or just looking for stuff to do while they’re in a new city, our website’s huge inventory and user friendly format makes it easy to find everything [they are] looking for.”