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What does 2012 hold for us in regards to travel? Read below.
1. One of the top trends and desires for travel according to observers is a focus on increased value. If this holiday shopping season is any indication you will most likely see more and more packages, discounts and all inclusive offers from cruise lines and hotels. For those focused on ultimate cost, this is good news and for those who are interested in an exceptional experience with high value, you may be able to enjoy more luxurious accommodations than you were able to before.
2. Travel is becoming easier for those with special needs. Whether you need a wheel chair, oxygen tank or scooter to enjoy traveling, these items are available to rent and help to make travel accessible for everyone.
3. Almost 1/3 of pet owners are now taking Spike and Fifi (or your pet tarsier) along on vacation and because of recent changes to many countries' travel requirements "to lessen the burden and fees for passengers flying with animals", says Cheapflights, we think that this number may even be higher. If you have not been able to travel before thanks to a particularly needy pet, it is becoming easier and easier to just take them along.
4. Athletic voluntourism is taking off as more and more people cycle, hike, walk and wheel chair their way through popular marathons and athletic events around the world in the support of worthy causes.
5. As customer service seems to be at an all-time low for most companies, we are seeing an increase in people looking for personalized attention. While the traditional travel agency may have a limited shelf life, intimate service-based travel companies are growing.
6. Many changes are coming to air travel. Thanks to recent federal government regulations, airfares will be advertised more accurately with full roundtrip airfares and applicable fees being shown. Unfortunately fees will be staying around and in some cases cost just as much or more than the base price of your plane ticket. More and more flights are being cut back so flights tend to be filled to capacity. Fortunately many newer airplanes are entering the market with some very large purchases being made for new airplanes featuring higher fuel efficiency, larger cabins and luxurious seating.
7. Airport security is going through some tests in major markets in an effort to help make it more convenient as they work on a "trusted traveler" template. Whether this helps or hinders our experience or privacy is yet to be seen.
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