What is Revenge Travel?
“Revenge travel is a term that means traveling as a way of making up for lost time during the pandemic. There isn’t one concrete definition or origin, but it generally refers to the frustration and anger that people felt towards COVID-19 for cancelling their plans and disrupting their lives.” — Mashable, August 27, 2022
If last summer and fall were anything to go by, “revenge travel” has drastically altered the travel industry. When things finally opened up post- COVID -19, travelers wasted no time making up for the lost time. This led to a huge spike in travel, especially air travel.
While this gave the travel industry a much-needed boost, it also had several negative consequences. Some of which you may have experienced yourself.
- Airports are quite unpleasant with long lines at ticket counters, TSA checkpoints and airline lounges;
- Popular destinations are overcrowded, especially in continental Europe;
- Hotel availability is very limited, and rates are much higher than expected;
- Airfare is highly volatile.
Tee with colleagues in Cascais, Portugal
What to Do If You Plan To Travel in 2023
Despite these conditions, many of my clients plan to travel this spring, summer, and fall. I’m monitoring the situation on a daily basis, especially airfares. So far, there are no signs that the situation will improve soon.
It’s safe to say that “Revenge Travel” is here to stay!
Continue to expect long airport lines, crowded European cities (even during the off-season), very limited hotel availability, and higher airline fares for the foreseeable future.
If you are still dreaming about traveling in 2023, here are three (3) key pieces of advice that I’ve been sharing with my clients who’ve reached out to me to curate their trips this year.
Dollars, Pesos, Euros, oh my!
1. Maximize Your Spending Power
👉🏾 Double Your Travel Budget
Unfortunately, the cost of travel has increased considerably in every conceivable way. A week’s stay in Europe used to cost about $10,000 USD. Now it costs $20,000 USD or more.
The British Isles (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), in particular, are very pricey due to the high cost of living in the UK and the weakness of the dollar against the British pound.
My biggest tip is to choose destinations where your American dollar will go further, like Mexico (Mexican Peso), Egypt (Stirling Pound), or Southeast Asia (Thai Baht or Indonesian Rupiah).
Before selecting your next destination, check exchange rates against the US dollar on www.xe.com.
👉🏾 Avoid Major European Cities
European cities like Paris, London, and Rome top the list of most expensive travel destinations in 2023. Now might be the best time to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Argentina: If tango, delicious wines and late-night dining are among your passions, look no further. There are many lesser-known treasures to be discovered in this South American country with its vibrant big cities (Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls) and vast landscapes.
- Ireland: Castles, cliffs and abbeys, oh my! The “Emerald Isle” combines lively city breaks & in Dublin and Galway with jaunts to the lush and verdant countryside. Don’t miss the dramatic Newgrange Monument in the north, the stunning Ring of Kerry in the southwest, and the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher in the west.
- Antarctica: From unique and fascinating wildlife to adventure sports, Antarctica has so much more to offer than ice and snow. And expedition-class ships make the journey more enjoyable and luxurious than ever before.
- Slovenia: This hidden gem in Central Europe offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture and delicious cuisine. The country borders Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy and is known for its stunning Julian Alps and picturesque Lake Bled.
- New Zealand: Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Kiwiland. Famous for its rugged coastlines, gorgeous national parks, fjords and glaciers, you can hike, bike cruise, and kayak your way through the South Island. A growing foodie scene awaits city lovers, as does the rich culture of the Māori Indians.
Private transfers start your vacation off on the right foot!
2. Book Travel Comfort Services
As your personal travel advisor, my goal is to keep you informed and to do what I can to ease the current travel discomfort. My recommendation is a simple one: do whatever you can to ensure your comfort and safety on the road. Here are some of the ways I’m adding care and comfort to my client trips.
👉🏾 Get Global Entry
This is one of the best ways to make your airport experience more tolerable and your departure and re-entry a breeze.
On your departure, Global Entry entitles you to TSA Pre-Check, which allows you to speed through a separate line at security checkpoints in US airports. You’re not required to remove your shoes and jackets and, best of all, you do not need to remove your laptop or other electronic devices from your carry-on bag.
On re-entry, bypass the long immigration and customs lines. Instead, you’ll use a kiosk to answer a few questions and scan your passport. The terminal will take your picture and spit out a receipt which you will show the agent on your way through the gate. You’ll be processed within 5 minutes or less versus waiting 30 minutes to an hour or more in the standard lines.
If you don’t currently have Global Entry, do yourself a favor and apply today on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. It costs $100, and it’s the best value money can buy!
👉🏾 Upgrade Your Seats
Flying coach is the fastest way to ruin a perfectly-planned vacation. Today’s airline seats are just too narrow and uncomfortable. If you can manage it in your budget, upgrade your airline seats to Premium Class or Business Class. Trust me, your lower back will thank you.
Some airlines are now offering a new service between Premium and Business on transatlantic flights. Delta calls it Premium Plus — you board early, get checked bags, eat better food, and drink top-shelf liquor. This might be a good option for some travelers.
👉🏾 Private Transfers
Instead of asking friends and family members to take you to the airport, calling an Uber, or booking a shared shuttle, arrive and depart your destination in style through private transport organized 100% by me.
It’s also a fabulous way to start your vacation off on the right foot.
On the day of your departure, imagine slipping into the soft and supple leather seats of a Mercedes S-Class sedan. Your driver will load your bags into the trunk and whisk you away to the airport.
On your return, the experience is even more convenient. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign. He or she will help you with your bags and escort you to your luxury vehicle or SUV. There’s nothing quite like sinking into the hushed environment of your private car after the hustle and bustle of the airport.
The private transfer experience is designed to remove the hassle and worry of getting from point A to point B. Once you begin utilizing this service you won’t ever look back.
👉🏾 Meet & Greet Airport Service
This VIP service is a lifesaver for anyone traveling overseas. Upon arrival, you’ll be personally welcomed at the gate and escorted through passport control. Your English-speaking host will also collect your luggage and connect you with your driver in the arrivals hall.
The same service is available upon departure. At the airport, your host will welcome you and help you with check-in and luggage handling. Most importantly, he or she will accompany you through passport control and duty-free shopping and then take you directly to your business lounge.
Airport meet and greet services are especially handy during travel high seasons and are worth every penny!
Azul de Oaxaca Hotel + Galeria in Oaxaca, Mexico
3. Ensure a Stress-Free Trip
There are several ways to reduce the anxiety surrounding planning your trip. To ensure a stress-free travel experience, I recommend the following plan of action.
👉🏾 Plan Ahead
It goes without saying that you should give yourself plenty of time to plan your trip, preferably six months to a year (or more) in advance of your travel dates.
Ever since the travel boom, all aspects of the curation process takes much longer. Travel partners are taking much longer than usual to return quotes. And many companies are still short staffed since the pandemic.
Given the current travel conditions, this isn’t the time to plan a last-minute trip.
👉🏾 Protect Your Travel Investment
For the love of all things holy & travel related, please don’t leave home without travel insurance!
In the current travel climate, wherein you can expect something to go sideways, you need to safeguard against unforeseen events that could disrupt your trip. You’ll also want to protect your investment in case you cannot travel due to a medical emergency or work-related event.
- Read my latest blog on the top five benefits of travel insurance.
- Download my personal insurance checklist.
I want you to have a worry-free vacation when you travel, and that’s why I strongly recommend travel insurance. Get in touch to request a travel insurance quote for your upcoming trip.
WhatsApp Group Chat travel support
4. New Travel Support Services
What happens when you’re in the middle of your vacation, and you need immediate assistance? Who do you call to order a last-minute transfer, make a dinner reservation, or extend your hotel stay?
To help you navigate your trip with grace and ease, I’ve designed three travel support packages that meet a variety of travel needs while you’re in-destination.
👉🏾 Bronze Support Package: WhatsApp Group Chat
This package is a great fit for those who want to stay in touch during their trip. It gives you access to the MLT Concierge Team via a private WhatsApp Chat. We are your personable in-app support to answer questions, make itinerary changes, and help you navigate your destination with ease from the comfort of your phone.
👉🏾 Silver Support Package: 24/7 Support Line
Independent travelers will appreciate the Silver Support package because it provides a lifeline in case of an emergency during your trip. Our 24/7 support team is familiar with your itinerary and can be reached immediately via a dedicated phone line.
Just like travel insurance, the Silver Support package gives you peace of mind. It’s the kind of support that you may not need but are infinitely grateful to have when the need arises.
👉🏾 Gold Support Package: On-Site Concierge
For those who enjoy the finer things in life and desire only the best, the Gold Support package is perfect for you. It provides in-person support during the first few days of your trip. Yes, you’ve read that right! Your personal travel concierge will meet you at your destination to help you acclimate to the city.
The Gold Support package is the ultimate in real-time care & comfort so that you have the most amazing vacation ever.
For more details on the individual packages, including costs, please visit the Travel Support Page.
Ribiera Brava, Madeira, Portugal
We’re in this together!
I know that this is a lot of information to process, but I want you to understand the current challenges we’re facing in the industry and for you to be prepared for anything that might come your way on your next trip.
After all, life is short, so take the trip!
I’m more than happy to help you navigate these challenges brought about by revenge travel. We’ll get through this together.
xoxo
Tee