Find Great Travel Deals
By: Ken Kalthoff, KXAS
Updated: March 18, 2009
Many people in this weak economy have given up on travel. But travel agents say the weak market has brought some of the lowest vacation prices ever to coax customers back.Carli Capps is heading off on a church trip to China to see many things.
Carli says "a lot of different stuff, I'm excited."
Carli's mother, Kerri, says "but they've been able to upgrade their plans because people aren't traveling very much right now."
Travel agents tell us last minute first class may even beat the price of coach as airlines work to fill planes.
Travel agent Jim Strong says "these are extreme deals that people should be aware of and should be taking advantage of."
Strong Travel's agents see one way coast-to-coast fares from under $100, and cruises are cheap, too. A week to Alaska from $499 all meals included.
Jim says "and it is a very nice opportunity to travel to Italy, to travel to Europe, to travel the world this summer."
Airline passenger Amos Bennett says "less is definitely better, especially since I usually travel with my son, so I have to buy two plane tickets instead of one."
But low airfares also now carry fees for extras, like checked baggage.
Passenger Jerry Hicks says "yes, I notice more people carrying their bags on, and it's sort of a hassle."
Tripadvisor.com has a new feature that includes fees in price comparisons. A $272 New York trip with bags and food jumps to $352.
Passenger OJ Darrow says "Last time I traveled it was like $50 for two extra bags."
Even so, experts the deals are big.
Jim says "the best time to travel is right now."







