Alternative Travel Better Than Aircraft?

Alternative Travel Better Than Aircraft? September 2, 2008

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, JetShare, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , trackback

The only thing dictating travel nowadays is cost of fuel. Even the increased price of fruit this year can be attributed to the price of gas. This has also triggered the largest jump in airfares in the past 25years. These high fares and slowing economy are causing vacationers to at least investigate alternatives to this costly yet efficient mode of transportation.

Though gas prices have been falling for the past month, they are still encroaching on the $4 mark, with the national average hovering at $3.67per gallon. AAA reports that more than 34million people will travel 50miles or more over Labor Day weekend alone. 83% of these people will get there by car. Companies like Amtrak and discount bus carriers are trying to capitalize on this percentage, offering everything from cheap rates to more leg room.

For traveling the real distances, like intercontinental vacationing, or even from JFK to LAX, the airfare and security lines are an inevitable truth that must be accepted. Trips throughout the country are available through companies like Amtrak, a railway carrier that has thoroughly wrapped itself around the country. The tickets cost far less, but expect the trip to take twice to three times as long as a direct flight. Katrina Romero, Amtrak spokeswoman said “we’re attributing about half of the increase to the price of gas alone and the other half to travelers seeking an alternative to driving or flying …people are fed up with traffic jams and airport security lines.”

Air Transport Association president Jim May says “economic uncertainty and the heavy hit from sky-high energy prices mean that many vacation and business travelers are choosing to stay closer to home.” So why fly to Florida when you can hop on a train or charter a bus? Airlines are still your best bet, if you are traveling from Boston to your suite in Aruba, but if you are simply visiting your aunt in Chicago, maybe a bus or a train would be your best bet.