by L. West Oehmig, Jr.
posted July 16, 2008
 Wes Oehmig |
Just days ago I would have predicted a significant reduction in airline service at Lovell Field based on the forementioned facts. With today’s exciting and thrilling news of Volkswagen’s decision to invest in our community, there is a good chance that any reductions will be short lived. Airline service goes to cities where money can be made and our status has just improved dramatically. In the short term, however, we may see carriers bulking up service from larger hub airports like Nashville and Atlanta. In any case, you’ll be best served by planning air travel well in advance and expect to pay more for travel in the coming months.
Having just returned from Europe, I can report that cruising, either by ship, riverboat, or barge, is definitely the way to go this year. The Euro is very strong against the greenback which makes land based travel more expensive for Americans. Of course, packages and tours offer good value, but independent touring including world class hotels, and private guides will cost you plenty. It’s the way it is, folks.
Depending on the market and economy, there will likely be excellent travel offers in the Caribbean and South America this year. Exploration type cruising is gaining with the ‘green’ wave now awash worldwide. ‘See the coastlines of the world before they are submerged’ or ‘see the glaciers before they melt’ are the messages that seem to attract growing numbers of ‘earth first’ tourists these days.
For those whose tastes and wallets seek a higher place for vacation ideas, the luxury cruise market is a refuge. In veritas, many of these luxury experiences are just a bit costlier than the mass market mega ships, where all those signed chits at cruise end bring the per diems way on up there. The highest vacation experience looks to launch in 2009 with the introduction of Virgin Galactic’s Space Tours, a four day, three night experience which includes a five hour trip to suborbital space. You’ll be hearing and seeing plenty in the upcoming months about this unbelievable opportunity. If you’re not in peak health or unwilling to pay the tariff ($200,000 per), then I suggest a two week cruise aboard a Regent Seven Seas ship (my new, most favorite line). Call me and I’ll tell you why.
There will be some fine travel opportunities in the coming months due to the lagging economy. For those interested in a bargain, your day is coming soon. Beware, though, that buying ‘price’ should never substitute for buying that which will fulfill your expectations. Travel time is an investment that can pay great dividends if chosen wisely. That’s why we’re here!
L. West Oehmig Jr.
Chairman, Tennessee Valley Travel Agency
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