Travel On the Rise Ten Years Later

Ten years after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Americans are traveling in greater numbers.

Technology changes have aided this increase, but the hassles and dangers brought on by those responsible for 9/11 still remain.

According to Estela Shingleton, a referring travel agent with My Starlite Travel, online travel booking engines like Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz have exploded in the last decade.

“More and more people search online for best deals, destinations, restaurants and so on,” Shingleton said. 

Travelers no longer need travel agents, but rather are looking for the best bargains available online.

“I refer potential customers to my travel website where they can book their travel online just like the other booking engines,” Shingleton said. 

Shingleton is the new form of travel agent.  Not only does her website offer travel deals, but also discounts at many online stores, as well as cash back on purchases.

Although the ease of online travel bookings makes traveling easier, the hassles that have stemmed from the 9/11 attacks continue to make it difficult.

“Since 9/11, air travel has become one big headache with flight delays, lost baggage, overbooked flights, less amenities and fees for things that used to be free,” Shingleton said.

These hassles are not preventing people from traveling because Americans are flying more now.  The need for travel is still there no matter how inconvenient traveling has become.

“The reaason is because families are spread out, business travel is required and relatively low ticket prices encourage travel,” Shingleton said.

Despite increased security, Americans still believe that it is possible for something bad to happen while they are traveling.  Most people do not mind getting checked at airports as they would rather be safe than sorry.

“People are traveling and will continue to travel despite the possible dangers to take a break and get away from it all,” Shingleton said.