Anyone notice a slowdown in travel?

[PamMo]

Tuggers have been noting the declining trend in travel for a few months. There are lots of posts about having trouble renting great weeks. Now, data is showing people HAVE been cutting back. In February, U.S. consumer spending on air travel and hotels dropped 10% and 6% year over year, respectively, according to data from Bloomberg Second Measure, with restaurant spending also down 3.5%. https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzann...ericans-pulling-back-travel-spending-in-2025/ Other sources show a decline as well, plus foreign tourists are thinking twice about coming to the US.

 

[easyrider]

How old is old? Patti and I are both 71.

The older I get, many things I enjoyed are things of the past.

Bill

 

[easyrider]

Sometimes it's not the age, but what happens when you age.

We've lost a couple of good friends so that kind of slows things down a bit.

Bill

 

[davidvel]

In regard to the anecdotal stories of TUGGER travel habits, I'd posit that people here are far from a representative cross section of world and U.S. travelers. By definition the (frequent) TUGGERS are a bit fanatical about travel and timeshares. I am sure we are older and more financially secure than average, and though some are slowing down I'd bet our slow down is still more than the average traveler.

Of course, with most of us timeshare owners, we bought into the idea that timeshares force us to travel each year, which is mostly a reality. So as others noted we as a group are far more inelastic to economic and other forces affecting travel demand.

 

[emeryjre]

All my life I saved and sacrificed to have the ability to invest in my retirement
It has paid off and the nest egg has certainly grown
I still find it hard not to be conservative in my spending
Old habits die hard
Especially when I see economic uncertainty on the horizon

 

[easyrider]

In regard to the anecdotal stories of TUGGER travel habits, I'd posit that people here are far from a representative cross section of world and U.S. travelers. By definition the (frequent) TUGGERS are a bit fanatical about travel and timeshares. I am sure we are older and more financially secure than average, and though some are slowing down I'd bet our slow down is still more than the average traveler.

Of course, with most of us timeshare owners, we bought into the idea that timeshares force us to travel each year, which is mostly a reality. So as others noted we as a group are far more inelastic to economic and other forces affecting travel demand.

I haven't really thought about a slow down in the sense of our actual travel but we are staying in one destination longer in the winter. We use to do multiple flights to different destinations but now we dislike flying so much that we are doing one or two flights and staying in one destination longer. It really has nothing to do with the economy and everything to do with how long it takes us to get anywhere by flying in the winter.

Bill

 

[easyrider]

All my life I saved and sacrificed to have the ability to invest in my retirement
It has paid off and the nest egg has certainly grown
I still find it hard not to be conservative in my spending
Old habits die hard
Especially when I see economic uncertainty on the horizon

I'm not sure how old you are but really old you might think that you should have taken the trips instead of sitting around wishing you had.

Bill

 

[davidvel]

I'm not sure how old you are but really old you might think that you should have taken the trips instead of sitting around wishing you had.

Bill

It is a tough balance to be sure. A family member was always scared of running out of money. Rarely traveled, rarely spent on any luxuries, but always took care of others. Always talked about doing bucket list trips to Europe etc. back to her ancestor's when she fully retired. She passed of a 1 in a million infection unrelated to her health in her late 60s. Owned 2 properties valued well into the 7 figures free and clear.

 

[Pennytx]

We have been traveling for the last six months
We have seen things very busy and absolutely vacant
Currently we are in Branson
It’s almost like a ghost town at Westgate Branson woods.
When we were in Old Town Alexandria/Massanutten in January and February it was walk to wall people …
Make sense of it

 

[Brett]

In regard to the anecdotal stories of TUGGER travel habits, I'd posit that people here are far from a representative cross section of world and U.S. travelers. By definition the (frequent) TUGGERS are a bit fanatical about travel and timeshares. I am sure we are older and more financially secure than average, and though some are slowing down I'd bet our slow down is still more than the average traveler.

Of course, with most of us timeshare owners, we bought into the idea that timeshares force us to travel each year, which is mostly a reality. So as others noted we as a group are far more inelastic to economic and other forces affecting travel demand.

I'd also bet that TUG people are "far more elastic" to travel budgets
(I'm posting this from Paris, France )

 

[WinniWoman]

I haven't really thought about a slow down in the sense of our actual travel but we are staying in one destination longer in the winter. We use to do multiple flights to different destinations but now we dislike flying so much that we are doing one or two flights and staying in one destination longer. It really has nothing to do with the economy and everything to do with how long it takes us to get anywhere by flying in the winter.

Bill

We always liked getting to a destination and hunkering in a bit and getting to know an area. Again- timeshares- either exchanges or rentals. Don’t care for stand alone Airbnb or VRBO type rentals. We like condos at resorts.

Would rent a car. Make our own “schedule” for each day, etc.

When we did the 2 most recent tours to South Dakota and Italy we chose them because we were able to stay in one hotel for a week before moving on to the next. Living out of a suitcase is not for us.

That’s why I hesitated to book a Glacier NP / Canadian Rockies tour- besides flying- which at least would be a direct flight to Calgary- it involves a lot of hotels because of the distances. Was going to try to squeeze it in before our passports expire, but not going to happen.

We don’t like leaving home for too long either. At this point we just don’t see the value in going to most places. We aren’t foodies or big on eating out, but we have restaurants and pubs here if we so desire. We’re not into shopping, but there’s plenty of stores and shops in the state. We have beautiful lakes for swimming and fishing. We have mountains. Farms. Beautiful scenery. Nice local theater and concert venues. Nearby states of Maine and Vermont for more of the same.

Even though we’ve only been to small parts of 2 European countries I feel I’ve seen enough. Cobblestone streets. Check. Old world charm. Check. Ancient history and architecture. Check. Food. Check (and mostly no thanks or “eh” for me). Lovely Scenery. Check. Tourist shops. Check. Gorgeous churches. Check. Different driving conditions. Check.

Sure- interesting. Sure- language and cultural differences. But I can read about other places if I want to. And no- wouldn’t want to live in any country other than the USA.

Been to the Caribbean. Been to Florida where the snow birds fly. Been to about 15+ National Parks- my favorite trips.

And yeah- sure- if it was a snap to get to new places or even return to places we loved - like “Beam me up Scottie” - I’d go. But not with the hassles and “work” involved these days with flying and so forth.

 

[geist1223]

Yes everyone ages differently. Once when we were in Roturua we were talking to a local woman on a motorized scooter. She warned us how our life would change when we got older. It turned out she was younger than our friend that was traveling with us and only a couple years older than us.

 

[wackymother]

I've got one. We're in Ocean City, Maryland. Very touristy. We always come in April because there are lots of great restaurants with great off-season specials. Last year we were here the same week, the last of April going into May. All the restaurant specials were ending on April 30. The restaurants were packed on the nights with the really good specials, we could hardly get in.

This year we're here the same week. This year the restaurants are extending the off-season specials to May 14 or May 16. We're going to some of our favorites and they're wisking us in with no wait and there are open tables everywhere.

 

[CanuckTravlr]

This is not intended to be political or controversial, but a factual travel analysis.

The largest group of travellers to the USA are from Canada. The derogatory comments from certain "persons" in the US about Canada have resulted in a grass-roots groundswell here to alter travel plans to the USA. It's now backed up by hard statistics, as discussed in this USA Today article from two days ago. I have seen similar sentiments expressed by Aussies, Brits, and Europeans, for many of the same reasons.

We are also seeing news reports here from US towns and cities close to the Canadian border, such as Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY, and Old Orchard Beach, ME, about a significant drop-off in visits and bookings by Canadians. Some have tried to suggest it is the exchange rate, but the Canadian dollar has actually strengthened slightly in recent days as capital is moved to other reserve currencies.

Rather than the actual exchange rate, it is more likely the result of the current economic uncertainty on both sides of the border, together with a visceral reaction to the insults. Both Air Canada and WestJet have now reduced flights to the USA due to reduced demand, as have a couple of US airlines.

I myself have changed my normal 2-week November booking at my home resort at HGVC Ocean 22 in Myrtle Beach to the new HGVC resort in Cabo. Sad times. Other than during Covid, I have generally visited the USA almost every year of my 75 years. Hopefully things will change; the sooner the better!

'We can do our own thing': Why Canadians are trading the US for these destinations

The U.S. used to be the most popular destination for Canadians, but the political climate is driving them elsewhere.

www.usatoday.com

 

[billymach4]

Well FWIW on the Delta flight from JFK to Aruba AUA on Monday the flight was about 50% capacity of PAX (passengers).
Empty enough that the Gate agents to relocated PAX in the rear half to relocate and concentrate in seats closer to the back of the cabin for balance during takeoff and climb.
I was one row behind the exit so I was able to remain in my assigned seat. However the exit rows were empty and DW and I were seated in aisle seats.
After we leveled out I asked the FA's if we could relocate to the empty exit row. Of course I first mentioned that I would be able to assist in case of an emergency.
This was an A321 neo and I scored somewhat of an upgrade since the exit rows do have some extra legroom!

 

[jp10558]

And yeah- sure- if it was a snap to get to new places or even return to places we loved - like “Beam me up Scottie” - I’d go. But not with the hassles and “work” involved these days with flying and so forth.

I think if we had Star Trek transporters - of course more people would travel. You're right, planes are just such a PITA now. Though I think they're more comfortable in the last 10 years than they were for me 2003-2013 or so. Seem to have more room and have chargers for stuff. But the airports are just horrible - such a bunch of stress and time sink. I think if we could get the airports easier to do - and stop having to take off shoes / belts etc - it would be more feasible. But we're worried about "security". Too much of this is theater IMO.

 

[davidvel]

This is not intended to be political or controversial, but a factual travel analysis.

The largest group of travellers to the USA are from Canada. The derogatory comments from certain "persons" in the US about Canada have resulted in a grass-roots groundswell here to alter travel plans to the USA. It's now backed up by hard statistics, as discussed in this USA Today article from two days ago. I have seen similar sentiments expressed by Aussies, Brits, and Europeans, for many of the same reasons.

We are also seeing news reports here from US towns and cities close to the Canadian border, such as Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY, and Old Orchard Beach, ME, about a significant drop-off in visits and bookings by Canadians. Some have tried to suggest it is the exchange rate, but the Canadian dollar has actually strengthened slightly in recent days as capital is moved to other reserve currencies.

Rather than the actual exchange rate, it is more likely the result of the current economic uncertainty on both sides of the border, together with a visceral reaction to the insults. Both Air Canada and WestJet have now reduced flights to the USA due to reduced demand, as have a couple of US airlines.

I myself have changed my normal 2-week November booking at my home resort at HGVC Ocean 22 in Myrtle Beach to the new HGVC resort in Cabo. Sad times. Other than during Covid, I have generally visited the USA almost every year of my 75 years. Hopefully things will change; the sooner the better!

'We can do our own thing': Why Canadians are trading the US for these destinations

The U.S. used to be the most popular destination for Canadians, but the political climate is driving them elsewhere.

www.usatoday.com

Everyone has the right to convey their feelings thought their wallet. I have no doubt that is occurring, and certainly no doubt why offended people would do so. Kudos.

 

[Hindsite]

But the airports are just horrible - such a bunch of stress and time sink. I think if we could get the airports easier to do - and stop having to take off shoes / belts etc - it would be more feasible. But we're worried about "security". Too much of this is theater IMO.

I'm always surprised how 'retro' US airports are and more reminiscent of a bus station than a technology transport hub. On our recent trip, there were signs that more modern scanning technology is being introduced to at least avoid the liquids limitations and need to take liquids and electronics out of bags, but coats, shoes and belts seem to continue to need to be taken off. At the moment it can depend on which line you end up in as they have a mix of old and new scanners. Boarder control is also slow and tiresome and hasn't changed or improved in 30 years for non-US nationals going in. That seems like an easy thing to fix but isn't getting done.

 

[wackymother]

I recently flew for the first time in a few years. What struck me was the incredible amount of hiking involved in getting around an airport. When we flew with my in-laws in the 1980s and 1990s, I remember there being lots of golf carts rushing around the airport to assist people who were having a hard time getting to their gates. Now that I'm old and huffing enough to need those golf carts, they are GONE.

A few years ago we checked in for a flight out of Heathrow and at security, the agent said to me, "Are you going to be okay? Your gate is about a twenty-minute walk from here." I said, "Is there an alternative?" She said, "Well, no." So I was like, "I guess I have to be okay!"

 

[jp10558]

I recently flew for the first time in a few years. What struck me was the incredible amount of hiking involved in getting around an airport. When we flew with my in-laws in the 1980s and 1990s, I remember there being lots of golf carts rushing around the airport to assist people who were having a hard time getting to their gates. Now that I'm old and huffing enough to need those golf carts, they are GONE.

A few years ago we checked in for a flight out of Heathrow and at security, the agent said to me, "Are you going to be okay? Your gate is about a twenty-minute walk from here." I said, "Is there an alternative?" She said, "Well, no." So I was like, "I guess I have to be okay!"

Yea, say what you will about being unhealthy or lazy or just normal aging - the hikes in the airports kinda suck. Cars again have the benefit of being pretty point to point. Maybe parking in Disney results in a comparable hike to the destination, but then comparing a theme park to an airport is pretty insane. You can request a wheel chair and I think if done in advance the airport "has" to provide it and someone to push you around.

Personally, it seems to me like a better "air train" in more airports would make sense - there's always people going to the same locations and going to each "hub of gates" should be pretty easy to figure out, but would of course require a different design.

 

[WinniWoman]

I recently flew for the first time in a few years. What struck me was the incredible amount of hiking involved in getting around an airport. When we flew with my in-laws in the 1980s and 1990s, I remember there being lots of golf carts rushing around the airport to assist people who were having a hard time getting to their gates. Now that I'm old and huffing enough to need those golf carts, they are GONE.

A few years ago we checked in for a flight out of Heathrow and at security, the agent said to me, "Are you going to be okay? Your gate is about a twenty-minute walk from here." I said, "Is there an alternative?" She said, "Well, no." So I was like, "I guess I have to be okay!"

Why you have to order a wheelchair when you buy your ticket.

Then you have to deal with making sure they have one ready when you get there. That’s the luck of the draw I’ve found out!

After finding myself waiting around sometimes, if I spot an employee with an empty wheelchair, I flag him/her down and that usually works.

Other times I’ve given up and painfully made the hike.

 

[Luanne]

Why you have to order a wheelchair when you buy your ticket.

Then you have to deal with making sure they have one ready when you get there. That’s the luck of the draw I’ve found out!

After finding myself waiting around sometimes, if I spot an employee with an empty wheelchair, I flag him/her down and that usually works.

Other times I’ve given up and painfully made the hike.

Actually you can add wheelchair assistance to your reservation after you buy the ticket.

We used wheelchair assist for both my daughter and my husband on our trip to Maui this year. We never had a problem getting the wheelchairs, but on our return to the Albuquerque airport the chairs were there, but there was no one to push them. Finally one of the flight crew and one of the ground crew pushed them into the terminal and we waited for the wheelchair people. It was the worst service we had all trip. The two women acted like they'd rather be anywhere else, got a bit put out when we said we needed to stop at the restroom and refused to help with the luggage. First time this has happened. Said they were allowed to help. That left me dealing with all of the suitcases as they had pushed daughter and husband out to the curb. Luckily our driver came in and helped me with the luggage.

 

[WinniWoman]

Actually you can add wheelchair assistance to your reservation after you buy the ticket.

We used wheelchair assist for both my daughter and my husband on our trip to Maui this year. We never had a problem getting the wheelchairs, but on our return to the Albuquerque airport the chairs were there, but there was no one to push them. Finally one of the flight crew and one of the ground crew pushed them into the terminal and we waited for the wheelchair people. It was the worst service we had all trip. The two women acted like they'd rather be anywhere else, got a bit put out when we said we needed to stop at the restroom and refused to help with the luggage. First time this has happened. Said they were allowed to help. That left me dealing with all of the suitcases as they had pushed daughter and husband out to the curb. Luckily our driver came in and helped me with the luggage.

Yes. Right. You can add wheelchair assistance afterwards as you stated.

But yeah- I’ve experienced inconsistency in terms of reliability of the wheelchair assistance depending on the airport.

 

[dougp26364]

Tuggers have been noting the declining trend in travel for a few months. There are lots of posts about having trouble renting great weeks. Now, data is showing people HAVE been cutting back. In February, U.S. consumer spending on air travel and hotels dropped 10% and 6% year over year, respectively, according to data from Bloomberg Second Measure, with restaurant spending also down 3.5%. https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzann...ericans-pulling-back-travel-spending-in-2025/ Other sources show a decline as well, plus foreign tourists are thinking twice about coming to the US.

I can’t say I’ve really noticed a difference in travel when we’re on vacation, but we’ve been going to different locations than we typically visit, so it’s tough for me to say what’s normal.

I can say all the flights we’ve taken have been full or nearly full. OTOH I haven’t heard them offer cash to bump because of an oversold flight lately.

Our local airport posted a record number of enplanements for the month of March. So at least our neck of the woods seems as busy as ever.

Wichita Eisenhower Airport Sets March Record

Wichita Eisenhower National Airport experienced its busiest March on record, with 71,732 passengers departing from the airport during the month. The figure

www.flywichita.com

fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6pDL9a0HpMrwMXt2_lrLSq9yQ-1s0KY229f7M0GPkcDtAzLu3EyKTMpMBhFg_aem_mG3SHIptYqQvZgC1RKK-fw

 

[VacationForever]

I just flew home after visiting my son and both flights were full. On the return flight, I was early and asked if I could take an earlier flight and I was told that the flight was full as well. I got home and my friend asked me today as to whether the flight was full or not. I wonder how much of this slowdown in travel news is fear mongering as opposed to reality.