But despite the global turn for the worse in the last year, most readers seem to be travelling the same amount, in the same style and at the same price as last year, according to a LatinFinance survey. Nearly half surveyed (47%) expect to travel as much as they did last year, with 26% indicating more and 27% indicating less. Some 14% of travelers say they will get on a plane every week, 32% once a month and 35% once every 2-3 months.
A majority (59%) plan to spend the same on travel as they did in 2008, with 23% expecting to spend less and a tiny amount spending more. Travelers’ budgets varied, with 26% expecting to spend $15,000-$25,000 this year, 22% looking at the $25,000-$50,000 range, and 27% aiming to scrape by on less than $15,000. At the high end, 18% plan to spend $50,000-$100,000, and 7% more than $100,000.
Travelers are split between a preference for business (50%) and economy (48%) classes, with almost all (88%) generally flying the same class as in 2008. Once they land, 54% expect to usually stay in four-star accommodations, and 35% in five-star. As with other categories, almost all (89%) say this does not imply a change from hotel levels of 2008.
Blame it on BA
Many travelers’ preferences also remain the same. As in 2008, Buenos Aires was named the best place in the region to stay an extra day. Readers particularly recommend a buying spree at the Alto Palermo shopping center, or a day trip to nearby El Tigre. American Airlines is used most and liked best by readers who fly to Buenos Aires.
In Brazil, readers chose Fasano as São Paulo’s leading hotel, and its restaurant as the city’s best – along with Figueira Rubayat – and the top place in the entire region to celebrate the close of a deal. Readers recommend São Paulo’s many shopping centers as the best way to spend an extra day. TAM is the preferred airline for traveling to Brazil, those surveyed say, and also offers the best service.
Along with São Paulo, Mexico City was the most frequent destination for the travelers surveyed. Aeromexico offers the best service for those flying to and from Mexico City, and was also indicated by readers as the airline they use most. When wrapping up a deal in the Distrito Federal, those surveyed recommend dinner at Hacienda Los Morales or drinks at the W Hotel. With an extra day, be sure to visit the world renowned archaeology museum and or make a day trip to pyramids at Teotihuacan. LF
Readers’ Top Choices
Best Airline
Argentina American Airlines
Brazil TAM
Chile LAN
Colombia Avianca
Mexico Aeroméxico
Miami American Airlines
Peru LAN
Best Hotel
Bogotá Casa Medina
Buenos Aires Alvear Palace Hotel
Lima JW Marriot Lima
Mexico City Four Seasons
Miami Mandarin Oriental
Panama City Bristol Hotel
Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Palace, Caesar Park (tied)
São Paulo Fasano
Santiago Ritz-Carlton
Best place to celebrate close of a deal: Fasano Restaurant, São Paulo
Region’s best city to stay an extra day: Buenos Aires
Region’s best hotel/resort for a vacation: Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Bariloche, Argentina
Source: LatinFinance poll