Managing Your Travel Plans Despite Price Hikes

In Nigeria, there is a perception that Air transport is for the rich and wealthy population. Meanwhile, the first Air transport in Nigeria dates back to 1925, when the first plane landed in Kano. Yet, only about one per cent of Nigerians use domestic air flights. This is because air travel is deemed too expensive for the average Nigerian. This article will show you how to minimise cost.

While this problem exists, several factors threaten the Nigerian aviator sector even more. They are the price of Aviation Kerosene or Jet A1 fuel and the dollar rate against Naira.

Earlier this year, Nigerian airlines announced a 63% increase in fares. Although that increase stirred up several controversies and debates, their reasons are easy to understand.

One of the reasons behind this is fuel. Fuel is one of the most critical components of the aviation industry. Aeroplanes consume much fuel, so even the slightest increase in fuel price will have a “knock-on effect” on operation costs.

Vehicles also face the same challenges; the difference is that while your car can survive on about 5 litres of fuel, an average plane needs thousands of litres.

Currently, airline operators are buying Jet A1 fuel at N745 per litre. In January 2022, it was sold for N429. That represents a 74% increase over this period and a 137% increase compared to 2021.

The government promised several interventions but failed to do so. For example, In May 2022, the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, Central Bank of Nigeria, and other relevant regulators agreed on a course of action to end the volatility of the Jet A1 price.

The agreement then was to provide six million litres of aviation fuel at a subsidized N480 per litre for three months. However, the government did not meet these agreements.

The unfair truth is that airlines have to survive somehow, and the easiest way to do that is to transfer some of the cost to the travellers..

Now that you better understand why travel prices are skyrocketing in the country let’s give you some tips on managing your travel plans to accommodate this increase.

1. Plan Your Travel And Book Ahead Of Time

A shared travel secret is that booking your ticket and accommodation ahead means saving money. Circumstances can change anytime, and future travel tickets or accommodation may cost more. It would be best if you gave yourself some security by planning.

A big part of booking your flights and accommodation forward is deciding on your travel destination on time. With this out of the way, you can proceed to get things done.

2. Outsource Planning To A Competent Destination Manager

This may be the best decision you make while planning your trip. Destination Management Companies and Travel Agencies can utilize industry expertise and knowledge to offer a perfect trip at pocket-friendly rates.

From planning to execution, travel experts provide convenience in planning and executing memorable trips at discounted rates.

3. Pack Light To Save Money

One of the easiest ways to save money when travelling is to pack as light as possible. It is not uncommon for Nigerians to pay for excess luggage by packing different boxes full.

To save money, you must pack only your essentials. If you are travelling as a family, you can pack two people’s clothing in one large suitcase.

Also, packing light creates room for gifts and souvenirs – you gerrit?

Ticket prices are already high, and you can save yourself the need to pay extra money. You also reduce the risk of having unexpected delays or even lost luggage.

4. Join Your Favourite Hotel’s Membership Club

Do you have a destination you travel to often? Why not ask the hotel you stay in if they have a loyalty program you can join?

Sometimes, joining a hotel membership club also gives you the benefits of discounted rates for services and amenities or lower prices.

A hotel membership club will save you money with time as you’ll have access to things non-members’ will pay more – such as lounge entrance and benefits, among others.

A loyalty program’s benefits may include free and faster Wi-Fi, late checkout, complimentary breakfasts, and bonus points. Bonus points sometimes accumulate to equivalent monetary value.

5. Embrace Alternative Destinations And Low-Season Travel

High seasons for top tourist countries are always expensive, from tickets to attractions and accommodations. And rightly so.

A great way to save money when travelling to these destinations is to go during the low season. Low-season travel offers lower rates for plane tickets, hotel accommodation, destinations and shopping discounts.

Shoulder seasons are especially great for travel. Shoulder season is the period between the peak and off seasons.

Another thing you can do is look for cheaper alternate destinations that offer similar attractions to your ideal destination. Yes, you may not be getting your preferred travel destination, but it’ll be wise for this period of increase in the travel price.

You can use tools like google Flights and Hopper to find good destination deals – even better, contact us for advice and exclusive offers!

6. Take Advantage of Tourist Group Travel

If you are a tourist or a potential one, you can give up the idea of solo travelling for now. Tourism groups travelling offer the same destinations but at lower prices than going alone. Most times, you even get more tourist attractions with group tours.

Using legitimate tourist groups or agencies can also help you land better travel deals.

The reason is simple, travel and tourism companies have in-depth knowledge and understanding of most of these destinations. Most also partner with hotels and tourist attractions so that you will get better rates with them than individually.

Afari Travels and Tours offer some of the best group tours for Nigerians.

Conclusion

Early planning and informed decision are critical to a cost-effective trip. If unsure where to travel, contact us for your trip planning and procurement. We minimise travel costs through effective travel planning and exclusive offers on travel components. From visa processing, ticketing, accommodation, transfers and more.

For consultations, new visa applications and renewals contact us at [email protected] or call +234 906 307 0000. Drop your comment or questions in the comment section below.