Turn on any news channel lately and you’re bound to see all types of natural disasters. Hurricanes slamming the East Coast of the United States, earthquakes rocking tropical beach lands—climate change has certainly taken its toll on the world. The property damage and life-loss are devastating to the surrounding communities. But what does all of this tragedy have to do with taking a vacation and saving money? Everything.
Saving Money on Vacations by Choosing Destinations Wisely
Oftentimes, the places that are hit the hardest by these natural disasters are tourist destinations. Look at the devastation Katrina caused to New Orleans or the damage Sandy caused to Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore. Similarly, the tidal waves a few years ago slammed the pristine beaches of Indonesia and surrounding isles—hurricanes constantly batter the Caribbean isles that make up a large portion of cruise ship ports.
What happens to these places in regards to damage and loss is unthinkable. But what’s even worse is that in order for these locales to get back on their feet, they have to rely on their local economy returning to normal. Unfortunately, many of these places rely on their status as a tourist destination, counting on the revenue pulled in from the multitude of annual visitors to their shops and attractions.
For example, local business owners on the Jersey Shore rely on the crowds that come to visit the beaches each summer and spend time—and money—on the boardwalk. But with the boardwalk in shambles, the expectations of many of these business owners are fairly low for the upcoming warm season. Similarly, the Gulf Coast experienced a decrease in tourism capital after the large oil spill that hit as the tail end of a one-two punch started by Katrina.
Giving Back to the Community
What this normally means for the savvy vacationer is that prices will be substantially lower. As the businesses, hotels and tourist attractions try to entice tourists to come back, they do so by lowering prices, which mean big savings for you. Even airlines are starting to get in on the discounting. Finding a travel agent that is in tune with the situation could net you even larger savings on package deals for round trip flights, hotel stays and admissions to applicable attractions. Either way, the bottom line is that there are savings out there to be had—you only need to know where to look.
But what’s more is that by visiting these places that have been struck by tragedy, not only are you saving money, but you’re helping to get them back on their feet. By putting your vacation money into their economy, you’re doing your part to lend a helping hand—a very humane and noble thing to do.
And while you might not enjoy the exact pristine condition that made these locations such a draw in the first place, you will find a more open and welcoming community that is grateful you’ve came.