What's the book corporate America doesn't want you to read? Find out now -- or you could get scammed.

Should I book a vacation now — or wait?

December 29, 2008

In a word: wait. But not too long.

I’ve been getting this question a lot, and I usually refrain from making predictions. No one really knows how prices will fare.

But look at this. These are oil prices during the last three months.

oildec28

This is the Dow Jones US Airline Index. Remember, stock prices reflect the anticipated future performance of a company.

airindex

Here’s the Dow Jones US Hotels Index.

hotelindex

So what does all of this mean? Well, Wall Street is betting that airlines and hotels won’t be as profitable in the near-term (or, perhaps more unprofitable, in the case of airlines). Combine that with lower energy costs, and it’s hard to argue that rates and fares will go up. In fact, the best deals may be just ahead.

If I were a bettin’ man, I’d wait until early 2009 to book my vacation. But don’t hold off for too long. It looks as if oil prices and the major indexes are looking for a bottom.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

Tagged as: , , , ,

4 comments

Previous post:

Next post: