JOHNSON CITY (WBNG) — As COVID cases continue to fall and travel restrictions are lifted, Americans may be planning their next vacation spot after an extended period of quarantine.
With inflation and gas prices now at all-time highs, some people have had to postpone their travel plans.
Travel consultant Mary May said she hasn’t had much trouble booking trips for her clients, despite the rise in gas prices. She said requests for her travel planning services have gone through the roof.
“Also with gas prices, the price of gas per barrel has gone down, which is great,” May said. “A lot of my clients book well in advance, which has helped me a lot. So 2022 and 2023 is looking great with travel.”
On the other hand, Candor’s Greg Wheeler said he’s had very different experiences. Wheeler said he booked an Airbnb for his family’s vacation months in advance, but due to increased gas prices, the family had to cancel their summer trip.
Wheeler said he doesn’t expect gas prices to go above $4 a gallon, and he said the cost of gas added another $800 to the cost of their vacation. Due to Airbnb’s cancellation policy, Wheeler said they lost $860.
“It meant a lot to us and it really hurt. It crushed a lot,” Wheeler said. “A lot depends on whether we get the money back. Will a holiday even happen when not only gas prices but also the cost of everyday items rise and supply problems arise? I do not know.”
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