Hawaii has come through the recession better than mant destinations. Tourism numbers held steady  this past spring as many visitors who had considered Mexico revised their vacation plans and traveled to Hawaii. While prices have dropped and deals are available, the influx of Asian clients due to the loss of value of the US Dollar is propping up the Hawaiian tourism economy. The best deals are flat and estate rentals on the smaller, less popular islands away from the major resort enclaves. We suggest contacting our partners at Ali’i Resorts on Maui.  From now until December 14, 2009, the 3rd night is free on select properties, new bookings only, not valid with other promotions, discounts or offers.

We recently received a note from a client who is planning a trip to Italy during the fall season (an absolutely glorious time to visit). The following are excerpts from the letter concerning one of our Italian villa/estate rental partners:

Responsive: “BravoHR responded within one hour of our e-mail request providing villa options within all the parameters we requested including location and budget. In addition, the managing agent provided additional options mentioning a larger more luxuriously appointed villa, which due to a cancellation would be available in our budget, we booked it immediately.”

Concierge Services: “Even though we have traveled to Italy in the past, the company was most helpful concerning grocery delivery (which we opted for due to our later afternoon arrival on a Saturday). In addition, the managing agent assisted with local car rental, touring options and a wedding coordinator as we plan to “renew our vows” next year.”

Insider Tips: “While we assumed we knew Tuscany, the managing agent provided us with a list of festivals and events happening during our visit. In addition, a “cooking class” was arranged with a local chef, something we have never experienced and we are looking forward to.”

Value: “We have always known the value associated with villa rental even during this period of slashing of hotel rates. The larger villa allows us to invite friends to travel with us, share the cost and allows our budget to be stretched to the maximum, outlet stores; here we come (which the estate manager has already provided options, a map and hours of operation).”

While we at TheSociety.com know the vast majority of our property/estate managers will provide service “above and beyond” what is considered adequate, we appreciate the letters of thanks concerning exceptional service. In this day and age of automated bookings, Internet research and downgrading of services by hotels, it is refreshing to know our partners continue to exceed our high expectations one client at a time,

We hope the client viewed last week’s newsletter concerning events and activities in Italy during the fall season which can be accessed at: http://thesociety.com/blog/2009/08/we-suggest-italy-for-fall/

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.

As the fractional ownership market continues to expand, we at The Society thought you, our clients may be interested in the Top Ten for this week according to the Luxury Fractional Guide. What does the list mean for you, read between the lines and access based on popularity and demand and the fact that owners of fractional’s are entering the rental marketplace to generate income.

Once known as “time-shares” with one of two fixed weeks of use, the new generation of fractional’s offer their owners inherent flexibility concerning use and many more nights of ownership. It is not uncommon to see fractional’s in 1/8th, 1/4th, and 1/3rd shares, most notably with super-luxury properties. (links are included for in-depth review):

#1 - The Bermuda House (Emerald Isle, NC)
#2 - Gulf Winds (Hernando Beach, FL)
#3 - Villa Bonair (La Jolla, CA)
#4 - Beach Club at Siesta Key* (Siesta Key, FL)
#5 - Crane Residence Club (Barbados)
#6 - Poet’s Cove Resort (Pender Island, BC, Canada)
#7 - Woodhaven Country Club Condo (Palm Desert, CA)
#8 - Santa Barbara Beach Club (Santa Barbara, CA)
#9 - Serenity Cove (Soda Springs/Lake Tahoe, CA)
#10 - Waikoloa Beach Resort Villa (Waikoloa, HI)

Southern France, a truly magical destination during all seasons of the year. In this past Sunday edition of the New York Times, there is an excellent article (link included) titled 36 Hours in Aix-en-Provence. We at The Society feel 36 hours an abomination and one should spend at least one week in this most charming area of France.

As mentioned, while most popular during the summer months, Aix-en-Provence is a 4-season destination. The temperate spring season provides moisture to the fields of wildflowers and lush hillsides come alive. Summer’s warm days give way to cool nights. We usually suggest golf in the morning and a coastal visit in the afternoon. Evenings, late dinner at a sidewalk café. The fall is glorious as the crowds thin and the mountains to the north begin to glisten with a dusting of snow. Hiking in the region in the fall is a great adventure vacation. By winter, moderate temperatures in the valleys are inviting, however, we suggest getting the skis and boards and heading to the mountains for some playtime in the snow.

At The Society we have links to over 200 properties available in the Provence region. Even better, consider a Paris/Provence vacation. With the TGV or car and non-stop flights into and out of Paris and Nice, you can experience many facets of France in one visit.