Cheap Deals Bring Back the Vacation

When it comes to vacationing this summer, “the power is with the consumer,” says a consultant: The troubled economy has airlines, hotels, and cruises dropping prices dramatically. International airfares are down 14%, domestic fares 17%, Travelocity says; and for the first time since 2005, AAA predicts an uptick in Memorial Day travel, thanks to cheaper fuel and good deals, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Trips may be easier, too: Airlines’ on-time rates have increased from 72.8% last year to 78.1% this year—and airport lines are shorter. Analysts say domestic travel will be more popular than international this summer, as Travelocity sees bookings to cities like Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco rising. Still, with the dollar strong and business-class seats getting cheaper, Europe may not be a bad idea. (More air travel stories.)