RAS43 wrote:
Unless the usual bus loads of foreigners invade the park as they do in September. Probably will be more of them.
That is going to be a big question mark.
First, it doesn't help the RV park situation at all.
Second, from other forums focusing on Aviation, the guesses for that 'normal' might look like are all over the place.
The income of the tourist from Europe is being hit worse than the US public. Asia is almost as bad. Many in Europe are complaining it might be two or three years before they can afford their normal 'holiday'.
Delta Airlines is expecting to get back to 'normal' with only 70% of their year ago capacity in seats. Many budget/ tourism airlines are technically bankrupt. Everyone expects airline tickets to climb once the public starts flying again.
Sure there will be discounts to start, but soon the available cheap seats will be gone. While $10 per night discount will cost westernrvowner a lot of money, a $10 per night increase in hotel rooms costs will make up a lot of lost revenue for the bigger chains.
And let's look back at the US RV camper. Even as a full-timer - Glacier and Yellowstone have been a once in a lifetime trip for us. Certainly not a yearly thing, though I was hopeful for 2021.
It still cost almost three times what I spend for a 'normal' month using COE and USFS type CG.
And let's talk fuel prices. In 2017, ID, MT & WY fuel purchases for my truck were from $2.729 to 2.389 for regular gasoline. Diesel was over $3.
"Oh, fuel is so cheap now."
Yes it is. But June deliveries of oil are priced at $17.18 per barrel as of Close Friday Apr 24. Once the country 'opens up' does anyone really believe we are not going to see pump prices rising daily.
The low prices are only the result of very low demand. Almost everyone is buying much less fuel today than a year ago.
Between Mar 15 and Apr 25, 2019 - I bought 248.583 gallons of gasoline.
Mar 15 - Apr 25, 2020 - 123.148 gallons - a bit less than half. I think my experience might be on the high side. My children's fuel usage is about 1/4 to 1/3 what they call normal.
Once demand picks up, I fully expect to see $3-3.50 per gallon by August, $4+ for diesel.
How many people without a fixed income during the crisis are going to be willing to make such a trip with rapidly rising fuel prices.
Those of us on a fixed income are the lucky ones now. Everyone I know who has a job is looking at a lower total income for 2020 than 2019.
