Page 14 - Masala Lite Issue 159 March 2024

14 TRENDING NOW

Community members talk about their
opinions on travelling during inflation.

BY KIRAN KHANIJOW

veryone deserves a vacation. Travelling, for the lucky few,
is a chance to max out on extravagance and adventure.
For most though, it’s about cobbling together the most
affordable destinations and accommodations to fuel
rest and relaxation.

However, considering the recent dramatic price hikes
in flights and accommodation, basic trips are now the
cost of ‘luxury’ travel. The past 5-10 years, pre-pandemic,
were the Golden Age of travel, with cheaper tickets, lots
of competition, and generally low prices. Today however, with food, flight, and hotel
prices skyrocketing worldwide, purchasing power has declined. Airlines struggle with
high fuel costs, sustainability changes, and fleet upgrades; and living and business accommodations are also good ways to cut costs. As of now, I’m expecting these prices
operational costs are higher than ever. Even though most of us value comfort over to remain high due to inflation. As inflation is driving up prices across the board, including
frugality, there’s no denying that travelling has become painfully heavy on our wallets. airfares, I’m emphasising the importance of seizing promotions, booking in advance, and
Logic screams that we should patiently wait it out and allow the market to adjust. taking advantage of mileage offers. Hopefully, not all hope is lost. With situations like
However, after a couple of years of travel not being allowed, our brains have also these, I can focus on intention and budget hacks that will enhance my travelling experience.
turned on the ‘YOLO’ switch and ‘revenge travel’ is on the rise. So, how do people cope?

PRERNA SINGHPATHOM, 40
Masala spoke to community members to find out on how they plan their travels with
the insanely inflated travel costs, and what we’ve learned that if planned carefully, Kindergarten teacher

cutting costs without sacrificing much is possible. Consider what you value most on
Despite the increase in flight prices post-COVID,
trips, and make small cuts to reduce the amount spent, while still having a good time.
my family and I have adjusted by opting for less
luxurious options like premium economy instead
of business class, which currently costs as much
as business class did, pre-pandemic. In 2022,

RACHNA SIRISACHTHAM, 40 obtaining visas on time were challenging, which
Freelance Event Coordinator led us to pay expedited fees for our UK visa, making
our trip 25 percent more expensive. However,
I definitely still want to travel. In fact, I’m currently visa processing times have improved since then.
checking ticket prices for a few countries that Initially, there was a waiting list of over a year for
my family would like to visit. However, we are a US visa, which caused us to cancel our plans.
pacing out our travels for now. My most recent However, the process has now become faster.
trip was to Danang, Vietnam, last year in April So, while things are improving, they still haven’t
2023. Since it’s a neighbouring country, the air returned to the pre-COVID norm. I’m determined
tickets were reasonable and so was the whole trip not to let rising prices deter my love for travel, even
in terms of accommodation, food and sightseeing. if it means cutting back on shopping or finding
I’ve never been a frequent traveller, so for me I more affordable ways to have fun. One example
haven’t had to change any plans considering the of adapting is when my colleagues and I celebrated my 40th birthday with a trip to
expensive air tickets. However, I would opt for India in October 2023. To stay within budget, we opted for a low-cost airline, and
visiting neighbouring countries more, since they Airbnb accommodations. Despite the adjustments, it was a memorable experience,
are more affordable. In fact, the next destination especially because we chose a fantastic location that made getting around easy.
on my list is Laos since I’ve heard that its quite an
interesting place, and it will definitely be a budgeted trip. I really hope these flight
SHAAN BAJAJ, 25
prices aren’t here to stay. Hopefully, once the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is Feminist campaigner, Corporate Accountability
resolved, gold and fuel prices will drop down to a and Climate Justice; Manushya Foundation
certain extent, and flights can be more affordable
again. We can only hope for the best at this point
of time. The rising cost of flights has made me think twice
before booking international trips. I’m now more
SUKANYA SACHDEV, 41 inclined to see local destinations or Southeast Asia.
Small Business Owner, @cheezers.villa That being said, I am still travelling, and have recently
been to Japan and India, with plans to go to Europe.
I enjoy travelling internationally, but now, I focus more I try and plan travel months in advance in order to
on Asian countries with attractive airline promotions. save or budget where I can. I will usually travel with
I recently visited Vietnam with reasonably-priced budget airlines, and tend to stay closer to Thailand.
tickets. Currently, I’m avoiding flights to Europe or My mindset towards travel has shifted; as much as I
other Western continents due to increased ticket love the idea of travel, and would have loved to travel
prices and lack of low budget airline options. Airline full time, the cost of doing so is a lot higher than you
prices have gone up by 47 percent last year alone, and would expect. I think travel has become a luxury,
will continue to rise this year. Therefore, I’m currently unless necessary for business or to see loved ones.
shifting focus to explore inbound destinations for
more adventurous experiences, and quality hotels. I think for the time being, flight prices will continue to stay this high, and I don’t see the
Road trips and staying at more reasonably-priced demand for travel rising any time soon. However, I do hope that they decrease soon and
travel becomes affordable again.