Now's The Time To Take That Beach Vacation
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Travel agents say now is a good time for that beach vacation. With the state of the economy and low gas prices, spring break trips are booking fast.
If you want to save some money and avoid the lines, experts say to try some last minute deals. Brian Nystedt, CEO of New Departures Intelligent Travel, said winter is the busiest time of year for a travel agent.
"Because people want to get out of Dodge," Nystedt said. "They want to get out of the tundra and they want to put their toes in sand."
January and February are also among the slowest months for travelers, which means there are great deals.
"Now is a great time to go," Nystedt said. "A long as you travel up until Presidents weekend. Presidents weekend and Valentine's Day kicks off high season."
Nystedt said the Caribbean or Mexico have deals this time of year traveling from Minneapolis.
"Because air fares are low, there's usually a lot of availability the hotels," Nystedt said, "especially in the Caribbean. They are looking for business."
Because of that, Nystedt said hotels and cruises may offer extra incentives and specials. He also said the resorts won't be nearly as busy.
"If you go to all-inclusive resorts, there's not going to be the mob scene like during the high season, where you're fighting for the buns at the buffet table," Nystedt said. "You have a lot more access to things in low season, which is nice. There aren't any lines."
A quick search Monday with Nystedt brought up a four-day weekend in Cancun at the end of January for around $800 a person. That included direct flights and a 4½-star hotel. Nystedt said that was just the first search; he would then shop around to see if there were even better deals.
If a last minute trip is not an option, Nystedt said the next low season happens just after Easter and Passover.
