The ongoing pandemic has hurt many sectors of our economy, but without a doubt, one of the worst to feel its crippling economic effects is the travel and tourism industry.

Beach towns were empty and pristine this past summer season.  Hotel occupancy was at record lows.  Industry giants like Disney lost billions each quarter due to the shuttering of its theme parks and other resort offerings (I can’t even begin to imagine what the local economy is like in Orlando).  The cruise industry has been all but destroyed, with multi-million dollar mega-ships lying motionless in channels and bays like ghost fleets.

Still, with the vaccine now rolling out and numbers starting to head downward, there’s a demand from folks who have been “locked down” for almost a year just to “get out”, and – believe it or not – the travel and tourism industry is making some broad concessions to lure those potential customers back towards their offerings.

Airlines and hotels have dropped their change fees and cancellation fees across the board (a former cash cow for them).  Right now, a family or individual can easily book a hotel stay or flight six months to a year in advance and literally cancel it the day before the travel dates arrive – for free.  That certainly does take some of the pressure off of a traveler that may encounter an emergency or extenuating circumstance (and I’m sure the travel insurance agencies hate the new policy).

The cruise industry?  Well, they already had problems even before the pandemic, as other viruses (such as Norwalk) can quickly and easily run rampant across any ship, ruining that perfect week at sea.  If you’ve ever taken a cruise in the last five years, you’ll certainly know the phrase “washee-washee!” as smiling, energetic attendants drown every passenger in hand sanitizer every time they get on the boat or head into dinner.  Cruise lines are now offering such former “upcharge” perks such as wi-fi, alcoholic beverages, and tips included in their base price (along with the liberal change and cancellation policies).  Some are even piling onboard ship credit dollars on top of that.

Other deals abound.  I recently saw a travel package for four nights in Paris, including hotel, round trip airfare, and even a three course meal aboard a romantic Seine river cruise – all for just $499 per person. That’s not a typo.  $499.  You can even book this trip well into 2022.  That’s Paris, France – not Paris, Texas or Paris, Tennessee.  Good grief – it cost me more than that to spend the weekend in Tuscaloosa, AL.  Don’t like Paris?  How about six nights in a 3-bedroom, 3-bath villa in Ireland, round trip airfare and a rental car included – for just $899 per person?  Don’t want to leave the States?  You can find high-end hotels in many major U.S. cities for as little as $129 per night.  If you’ve ever had a “dream trip” on your bucket list (no matter where in the world it may be), NOW is the time to be planning it out.

If you’re feeling the need to travel later this year or beyond (and restrictions and health conditions keep improving globally), there are plenty of exciting adventures that can be booked now for your future vacation.  Get out there and plan your escape!