Quote:
Originally Posted by rd_aaron
cmyden,
We're looking at going to Mexico (4 star all inclusive.. not too picky about city) over New Years. We're looking at leaving around Dec 27-29. I realize this is probably the most expensive time of the year to go, but it's basically the only time of the year that works for everyone (6-8 people going).
When this time of the year is the most expensive, can we expect to see prices drop as we get closer to the date like most chartered vacations do, or is the demand so high that prices will remain high? We'd be comfortable booking a 4 star at around $1300-$1400.
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Hi Aaron,
It's never possible to truly predict what will happen, but in general prices over Christmas and around New Years tend to start out high and stay that way.
I don't recall there being anything interesting at all last year in terms of price movement over the holidays. This year even non-peak periods seem to be higher than usual, with less amazing deals from the Canadian tour operators in my opinion.
It's an odds game really. Is there a chance prices could come down for the holidays? Sure, but it would definitely shock me, just like it would shock me if the Winnipeg Jets won the Stanley Cup this year.
If there were any significant price cuts it would likely be to just one specific package to a specific resort on a specific date. The best odds for a drop would likely be something leaving on New Year's Eve.
Leaving Christmas Day and coming back New Year's Day would be another one with higher odds of a drop. (Who wants to leave on Christmas Day and come back on Hangover day? Not as many people of course, and lowered demand = better chance of good prices)
Christmas/New Years isn't just a peak period, it's a whole different level beyond that.
Have you taken a look at the Royal Decameron down in Puerto Vallarta? It's at $1378/person after taxes leaving on NYE.
To give an idea of the Christmas/NYE premium, the Decameron is at $850-950 in early to mid December, and it's not uncommon for it to drop to $700ish or slightly below.
And that's one of the better 'deals' !