Taking the Kids: 10-plus Black Friday travel deals worth considering for 2021
Where to next? Not right now, obviously. Not when most states are facing alarming spikes in COVID-19 cases and public health officials are urging that we all stay home for the holidays.
In normal times, airports and highways would be crowded this holiday season with millions traveling either to be together or to a vacation destination. In recent years, growing numbers of families opted to vacation Thanksgiving week.
AAA anticipates at least a 10 percent drop in Thanksgiving travel, according to the just-released forecast, the biggest drop since the 2008 recession.
Not so this year. The Cruise Lines International Association, which represents 95 percent of the global cruise industry, has announced that its members would maintain the ongoing voluntary suspension of cruise operations in the U.S., at least through the end of this year.
Disneyland that has welcomed generations of Californians to its holiday festivities remains shuttered as are other California theme parks.
Yes, it has been an awful year, especially for those who work in the travel and tourism industry. Each day without cruise operations in the U.S. results in nearly 1,000 American jobs lost, the industry reports — over 164,000 jobs have been lost since last March.
That’s why as the holidays approach, there’s no better time to think about where we want to go next, once it is safe. Cheer up the family by planning a holiday trip for next year to Orlando or on a cruise, to ski country or a Caribbean island.
Of course, you are nervous about plunking down money with so many unknowns. You’ll find many companies have reduced deposits and made cancellations easier. In many cases, hotels are offering free cancellations, like the deal at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa that will give you 20 percent off and your deposit back if you cancel 24 hours before arrival. (Book Nov. 9 through Dec. 6 and travel from Nov 10 to Aug. 4, 2020.)
G Adventures is encouraging travelers to look forward to 2021 travel with its longest Cyber Sale ever, 21 days, with just $1 upfront deposits and discounts of up to 21 percent on more than 450 tour options, including ones for families.
Encore Resort at Reunion, Florida, private residences with hotel amenities, and free transportation to Orlando theme parks has offers with savings up to 30 percent and a $100 resort credit with cancellation fees waived. Book Nov. 27 and Nov. 30 for stays through next year (there are some blackout dates. Use code THANKFUL2020 at checkout!
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