As a well-rounded traveller, I have to ask is travel becoming less of a need for the working public? Do people still feel that it is reserved for the rich and famous?

All of these questions come to mind daily for me. Why ? Simple. It’s because travel has been part of my life since the age of 14 when I first experienced overseas destinations on a family holiday. Now, 15 years later, I am running my own Travel and Events business and noticing changes in the public’s methods of booking and budgets, and expected standards.

The impact of the economic downturn has been huge on the tourism sector and this has been very clear to see with airlines going into administration and tour operators closing down. But the public will always need to travel, if not for business or pleasure, but to simply live.

The world is a much smaller place thanks to the advances in travel and technology. The introduction of bus-like services, such as Ryanair and Easyjet, have proved that methods and the public’s idea of travel is changing. So must the industry change to advance.

One thing is for sure. Young or old, recession or not, people still want a bargain,  good service and value for money.

Travel today maybe a tough industry, but it’s not all doom and gloom. Whether it’s sun, sea and sand you’re looking for, or pure luxury, if you’re smart, bargains and deals can be had.

People have been worried about both security of travel in places like Egypt and Tunisia, but tourism is at the heart of these countries’ income, so don’t stop going (embrace I say).  Reward yourself with a break. No matter what size your budget is, the industry has something for everyone.

Tell me if you agree?  What experiences have you had in 2011?  What has changed for you and where have you been?  Frost wants to hear your comments.

(Pic courtesy of Anna Cervova)

<a href=”http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=2119&picture=sunglasses”>Sunglasses</a> by Anna Cervova