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.

Spring Break Society Style

Sun or snow, what’s your go?

The Society has numerous rentals still available for last minute, Spring Break bookings. For as little as $40/person/night, you can spend your break in a luxurious and private vacation rental estate or villa. Destinations including Oahu, San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Venice Beach, Mayan Riviera, Whistler, Vail, Aspen, and Sun Valley are awaiting your inquiries.

Below are a few of our highlighted discounts in “Sun” destinations.  View rentals in “Snow” destinations.

**Note: Some rentals are not currently listed on The Society, and thus do not include profile links. Please inquire if you are planning a trip, and we will provide additional details upon request.

Ft. Lauderdale Estate: Super Spring Break Rate.

6,000 sq ft waterfront estate.
5 bedrooms. 10 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Retail: $9,500/week.
Special 20% off! Only $109/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Orlando Luxury Must-See: Close to Disney.

Award winning, riverfront home.
4 bedrooms. 8 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Retail: $5,000/week.
Special 20% off! Only $72/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Riviera Maya Retreat: Hard to Beat.

Sprawling family home for big groups.
4 bedrooms, Penthouse & Studio. Base rate for 8 ppl.
Available week of 3/28, 100’s more available 3/21-4/4
Retail: $6,500/week.
Special 20% off! Only $93/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Set your San Diego Trip in Motion: Stay Right on the Ocean.

Coastal paradise with perfect oceanfront location.
5 bedrooms. 15 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Retail: $5,070/week.
Special 15% off! Only $41/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Oahu Island Style: Vacation with a Smile.

Better than beachfront, private beach access.
4 bedrooms. 8 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Inquire for discounted Spring Break rates

See More Details. Inquire Now.

Venice Beach Rental Priced at a Fraction: Near to All Local Attractions.

Eco-friendly, minutes to beach, dining & attractions.
3 bedrooms. 7 person capacity.
Available Weeks of 3/21, 3/28 and 4/4
Retail: $3,800/week.
Special 13% off! Only $68/nt per person.

See More Details. Inquire Now.

More Discounts -

San Diego, CA:

Private Beach House on the Sand 1733
http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/20345
Inquire Here
# it sleeps: 20
Retail Rate: $7098
Special Rate: $6033
Weeks available:
3/21-3/28       Y
3/28-4/4        Y
4/4-4/11        N