While Mexican lodging opportunities range from the 1-star dives to opulent waterfront vacation rental villas, airfare has always been a concern. However, with the H1N1 scare of last winter/spring and airlines looking to fill seats, airfare from the United States to Mexico is down 25% from last fall to $392 round trip. Our estate managers in Mexico have been most proactive concerning rates and enhanced opportunities for their deluxe and luxury vacation rentals.

On the Riviera Maya, our partners at Akumal Villas are offering discounts on new villa bookings from 5% to 35% on select villa rentals for 5+ nights (excluding Christmas and New Years).

On the Pacific Ocean, our partners at Lifestyle Villas are offering a 10% discount of Christmas and New Year’s stays if booked prior to October 31st (next week) Offer valid on new reservations only, must be booked through Lifestyle Villas. Discount on nightly rate, stays between Dec 19, 2009 and Jan 2, 2010, 7-night minimum stay required. Mention code: NOEL09

If you have flown anytime from May 09 until the present, you have probably experienced the “boom” in air travel including requests for a voluntary bump and airfares at their highlest level since last summer. Yet, in the popular press, we are all seeing lodging options from 4-5 star hotels cutting rates to high-end vacation rentals providing incentives, even during high season.

Many airlines are literally reducing the supply of available seats for the Fall season and beyond (pending positive economic news). Flight schedules are being fine-tuned to maximize the highest revenue yield per available seat. For example, during summer, based on demand, there may have been 5 flights between Denver and New York, in the Fall and beyond, the number may be reduced to 4. While one can argue the airlines are matching supply with demand leading to the elusive profitable bottom-line, many experts, including myself predict demand will outstrip supply leading to higher airfares and less flexibility concerning schedules. What is the air traveler supposed to do?

Book Now: If you have travel plans for the Fall and/or winter season, consider booking now. Yes, one can argue the time value of money i.e. paying for a ticket now is providing the airlines an interest-free loan, however, do you wish to gamble on the price dropping a few dollars versus the “piece of mind” knowing your ticket is reserved? If you are a gambler, consider Yapta an excellent tracking site.

Consider Insurance: Many airlines offer “insurance” providing a refund if you have a documented illness (usually by a licensed physician) or death in the family which prevents you from flying. For those purchasing tickets for future travel i.e. beyond 30 days, I strongly suggest insurance. If you opt not to purchase insurance, please read the fine print to be sure your ticket can 1) be revised and 2) that you know the associated fees. For example, on United, the average “change fee” is $150.00 plus the revised cost of the new airline ticket. Thus, at minimum you are going to spend $150.00 per ticket as a change fee and more if the new flight is at a higher price.

We at The Society have enjoyed a boom in business for the French Rivera this past summer. From the white sand beaches of Cannes to the rocky waterfront on Nice to the opulence which can only be found in Monaco. However, as winter will soon dominate the northern hemisphere, the French Rivera, is just not the beach destination for the season, may we suggest the Rivera Maya.

This stretch of beautiful beaches begins in Cancun and travels south encompassing quaint towns, beautiful landscapes, historical sites (the Mayan ruins are a must-see) and some of the most inviting tropical waters of the Western Hemisphere.

One of our partners in the region, Akumal Villas has been the “go-to” vacation home rental company for many years for those in the know. While their inventory of flats, beachfront homes and estates is legendary, it is their client services which has fostered a repeat client base year after year, the folks at Akumal-Villas are some of the finest in the business.

From grocery deliver to where to kayak to assistance concerning a “destination wedding”, the staff at Akumal-Villas will cater to and exceed the expectations of even the most demanding clients. Yet, the basis for any exceptional vacation is the lodging.

May we suggest considering the Casa Yardena: If you would like to rent a villa that is truly elegant, deliciously secluded and incredibly spacious, you won’t find any place better than Casa Yardena. Imagine 80 feet of private sandy beach on the Caribbean, thirty foot ceilings in the living room and fourteen foot ceilings in the five air-conditioned bedrooms plus 4 guesthouses all with large, private bathrooms. Add to this a huge 20′x45′ swimming pool and palapas (those inviting grass umbrellas) on the beach with hammocks and what have you got? Villa Yardena!

While vacationing at a luxury residence is an attraction to many, we can guarantee, you will not be bored. While some may wish to just lie in the hammocks at Villa Yardena and drink margaritas others may desire some recreation with their vacation. For dining, two great restaurants are located within a mile. If you want more variety, a private chef can prepare a fabulous Mexican meals for guests in the villa. Or it’s just a short drive to Tulum, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras for a multitude of restaurants, shops, dive shops, etc. Visit the fresh water lagoon, called Xel-Ha, for outrageous snorkeling or Xcaret, a fabulous Mayan eco park with underground rivers, butterfly pavilion, beach, swimming with the dolphins, scuba and snorkeling, and more!.

In one of the respected hospitality journals I almost skipped an obscure article mentioning hoteliers and resorts in beach destinations are actually reaching full occupancy and many are either sold-out for August to Labor Day or have raised rates based on demand. A couple of ideas from The Society:

1) Availability: Contrary to the above there is still availability if you are willing to be flexible. Of course beach properties within close proximity of major metropolitan areas have witnessed increased demand from their “drive-time” markets. Thus, consider beach destinations beyond the 2-4 hours of a major city or even better, consider a destination beach. The beaches of The Rivera Maya (check out options from Akumal-Villas, please mention The Society) are glorious during the summer as are many options in the Caribbean with rates in-line with their mainland counterparts.

2) Location: While beachfront and within walking distance of the beach is always in demand, consider “biking distance” from the beach. For example, in East Hampton, NY, by crossing Main Street, rates drop, yet you are still within biking distance of the beach. If driving distance, even with attractive pricing, be sure to ask if a) parking is available and b) if a permit or related is needed and provided by the homeowner or management.

3) Post Labor Day: Granted, not a true summer vacation, post Labor Day can be most attractive. For beaches along the Atlantic Seaboard, the water temperatures are actually highest in September and October. Bermuda is glorious during September and October as the crowds depart and the beaches become a private sanctuary.

4) Last-Minute: When searching TheSociety.com, be sure to call the management companies. While the house you desire may be booked, be sure to ask if an alternative may be available. Be flexible, while the 3-bedroom may be booked, consider a 2 or 4 bedroom, you never know the deals which may be available.