How gas prices and global tensions are shaping travel plans, KRDO 13 speaks to a local travel agent to learn more
Samantha Hildebrandt
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)– With gas prices climbing as global tensions continue — including ongoing conflict in the Middle East — many Coloradans are feeling the impact at the pump. As the war with Iran continues to ripple through energy markets, drivers are paying closer attention to what each fill-up is costing.
But it isn’t just commuters feeling the effects; travelers are watching costs, too. We sat down with a local Colorado Springs travel agent who says the phone is ringing nonstop with questions from clients about whether it’s still a good time to book a trip, where people are choosing to go, and how much travelers should expect to budget this year.
In Colorado Springs, one longtime travel agent says, so far, demand is holding steady.
Rico Colombo, who has worked at All-Inclusive Vacations and Cruises in Colorado Springs for 16 years, says he expected to see a slowdown as concerns grow over rising travel costs. Instead, he’s seeing consistent bookings, especially for spring break.
“People are still traveling,” Rico said. “They’re calling with questions, but they’re still booking.”
Just this week, Rico says he received three calls in one day for spring break trips to Mexico, including college groups looking to reserve up to 20 rooms. He’s also booking clients to popular Caribbean destinations like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
While some travelers are expressing concerns about global instability and rising prices, Rico says no one has canceled their trips.
Instead, he’s noticing a shift in how people are planning.
“We’re seeing people budget more; they’re either budgeting or waiting for last-minute deals,” said Colombo. “Get on that bucket list, life is short, you can budget, and I encourage you to live your best life.”
Travelers are budgeting more carefully and asking more detailed questions about safety and potential price increases. Rico says his team closely monitors U.S. Department of State advisories and local reporting before recommending destinations and would never send clients somewhere they feel is unsafe.
While Colombo says summer and fall bookings are not as strong as he would typically like to see right now, spring break travel remains steady in Colorado Springs.
“Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are the top three spots for spring break travel.”