It’s Best To Plan Ahead Now, More So Than Ever
It’s Best To Plan Ahead Now, More So Than Ever
The variety of travel arrangements and destinations available to the GLBT community are as varied as the population and all the personalities.
I remember as a child vacationing in London when the big news story was that the Sodomy laws were rescinded. I was a child, and I had absolutely no idea what all the fuss was about so I asked my mother what’s this all about. I am sure I just got some broad non-answer.
During my late teenage years, I was introduced to Fire Island and the Pines outside of New York City while with my then current lover, Mario. As the ferry pulled to the dock I thought I had died and gone to heaven, all I saw and was totally surrounded by Gay Men. This was certainly better than the opening beach scene from South Pacific.
Going fast forward, our community now has specific tour and cruise operators such as RSVP, Olivia and R Family Vacations. What is even more exciting is that they use and charter “quality” cruise ships and/or land operators. What incredible advances have been made.
There have been many published articles and news broadcasts concerning the rising costs of fuel and its over-all impact on our daily lives.
It is not my belief that Chicken Little is having a field day running around stating “I told you so, the sky is falling.” However, I would like to refer to a quote by President Harry S. Truman: “Actions are the seed of fate deeds grow into destiny.” and one from Sir Winston Churchill: “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
What am I talking about? The many creative changes that are taking place within the travel industry. We the traveling public will have to make some adjustments.
As we see the, airline industry has already begun to impose additional fees, and some are rather creative. Yet, the airline industry still plays a vital role in a global sense. They not only provide transportation of passengers, they also transport important and needed cargo.
This is already affecting us all, flights are being cut and routes are being eliminated. It is causing additional frustrations, due to the added fees, and inconvenience. Consequently this is a time when planning and preparing for a trip will become more important.
As the airline industry continues to consolidate and downsize, those airline seats and availability will be in higher demand. It is my experience that when planning a trip, at least 8 months future date will need to be looked at a bit more closely.
Another expression may come back into favor: “The early bird catches the worm.” While last-minute “deals” might still exist, the choices will be far more restricted.
My particular concern in this post is for those “Leisure Travelers” that more and more G & L families grow, and plan around their school children’s calendar.
The earlier you can decide and make the commitment, the possible less aggravation you may encounter. Keep in mind that the teachers, and other without children, are also planning their trips.
Try to plan and make the proper arrangements as far out as possible, because the ranges of choices can open up for you. You will not necessarily be stuck with a departure time that you are not generally prepared for. You may not get stuck with a connecting flight, if non-stop are available.
You may get the cruise cabin of choice and in the case of families traveling with children those “adjoining cabins” or the better choice of the few physically challenge cruise cabins, and or the section of the hotel of choice, if you are concerned about such things.
There was a time when there were “peek” travel periods. They still do exist, but we’re living in a global era now, and global travel. This is something you should also take into consideration.
For those of you that prefer to travel within the Community I can suggest a short example as to what is currently being offered, as this year ends there will most certainly be an expansion of choices for the new year 2009.
1- Eastern Caribbean Cruise: February 21-28, 2009
Cruise Line Holland America, Cruise Ship: MS Eurodam.
Departure Date from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. on February 21, 2009 and returns to Fort Lauderdale on February 28, 2009
Total number of passengers: 2100
A partial example of some of there activities that are scheduled.
1- Caribbean Cruise March 1-8th, 2009
Cruise Line Holland America, Cruise Ship: MS Westerdam
Departure from Fort Lauderdale on March 1, 2009 and return to Ft Lauderdale on March 8, 2009.
Total number of passengers:1916
2- Southern European Cruise: May 16-23, 2009
Departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy on May 16, 2009 to arrive into the port of Barcelona, Spain May 23, 2009
Cruise Ship and Line: Amamara
Total number of Passengers 694
If I can be of any assistance please feel free to contact me.
As always I wish you and all a safe trip,
Arthur.
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Arthur D. Wright is a contributing travel writer to Out Impact and has over 25 years experience in the travel industry. Arthur is with Rich Worldwide Travel, and Rich Worldwide Travel is a member of IGLTA and Virtuoso Travel Association. For more information on Arthur, please visit his blog at http://adwrichtravel.wordpress.com/.
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