Plane coming in for landing on Maho Bay Beach, Saint Martin, Caribbean. -- MedioImages/MedioImages/Getty Images

People are travelling more than ever this summer. While Canadians in general tend to see their own country by car, there is strong demand for overseas travel as well as cross-country family travel by air. Questions about price and value are always at the forefront of travellers' thoughts as they start looking for the best deals.

Q: I travelled to Victoria to visit my parents this winter and wanted to go again this summer, but the prices seem really sky-high now. Is that because of the fuel costs?

A: Only partially. For many airlines their most profitable period is the summer quarter when it is common for families to fly across the country to visit relatives, or see our great country. Unlike other countries, Canada does not have as many well developed tours for us to buy into that include air and accommodation at reasonable prices. And tour operators who have tried have not always met with great success. So we are left to book our own flights on an individual basis without the benefit of group discounts.

On top of that, because current demand is so high, airlines have no need to go to their lowest price levels offered during off-peak months. The profit statements of the two major airlines at least reflect these price adjustments.

Many experts will still tell you that Canadian fares are not that high considering the vast distances and limited population bases airlines draw from. And yes, the new realities of jet fuel costs are also playing a major role in the end fuel surcharge added invoice we must pay to travel.

Q: I am a woman who travels regularly on business and find the availability of computer bags for women is really sparse. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Take a look at the Glen Ellyn line from McKein USA. Women seem to love everything about it.

Made of Italian leather it features a patented removable wheel and handle system which means you can roll it on the aircraft or simple unzip it from the frame and it makes an extremely attractive and functional business bag with every feature you can imagine. It comes in a variety of colours in addition to the traditional black. It really is worth looking at the entire McKlein's selection because they have a variety of options which especially appeal to female business professionals.

Q: Why can I fly to Europe and back for just about the same price or less that it costs me to fly within Canada?

A: This really is a very good question which relates to charter class airlines who offer limited, usually weekly, schedules to limited number of destinations.

These charter airline carriers will almost always only have one or two aircraft types to control parts inventories and repair costs when required. Because of their limited schedules they usually must fly full in order to deliver on the price they offer.

Scheduled airlines are in a world of their own with staffing, scheduling, servicing and inventory control. We pay the price for the convenience of daily travel options.

Ron Pradinuk is the President of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre in Winnipeg.