Holiday travel can be less of a winter wonderland and more of a holiday money pit. With the gift list mounting and those credit card bills quickly pilling up around this time of year, travelers don’t need the burden of extra costs when they travel around the holidays. If you want to lighten the financial load and save a few dollars throughout the spirited season, practice these easy ways to save on holiday travel.
Be Flexible With Dates
The best way to avoid paying more for airfare is to be flexible with when you plan on leaving and returning for your trip. Looking at Thanksgiving weekend as an example, experts suggest booking your flight for Monday as fares are often lower than they are the preceding Saturday.
Turning your holiday travel into more of an extended vacation can also help avoid costly airfare. Looking at Thanksgiving again, most travelers return home the Sunday of the holiday weekend, making it the most expensive day for air travel. Scheduling your flight for the following Monday can help you save about 10 percent on airfare. Travelers can also save by booking their return flights on Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday. Since most travelers choose not to fly on these days, those airfares tend to be cheaper.
Look at Different Airports
While sticking to the major airports around the country might seem like a good way to quickly complete your travel plans, you can save money by considering other airports in your destination’s region. You can also make your trip less of a hassle. Smaller airports allow you to save money while also avoiding the trouble that comes with navigating a crowded airport during the holidays.
Smaller airports typically experience fewer delays as well. Although most airlines have resolved issues that caused widespread delays during the pandemic era, disruptions remain a fact of life during the holiday season at most big airports. Booking flights through smaller airports can help to circumvent these disruptions and allow you to focus more on the joy of the holiday season and spending time with loved ones.
Consider Different Destinations
While a visit to the sunny Caribbean might seem like the perfect gift for your family, travel experts warn that trips to popular beach destinations for your holiday vacation will run at premium prices. Notably, highly frequented destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico and Cancun, Mexico are among the most expensive holiday vacation destinations in the world. When it comes to visiting Europe for the holidays, popular destinations like London, Paris, Rome, and Milan will also force vacationers to pay at premium rates.
Instead of going to the most popular vacation destinations this holiday season, experts recommend checking out less frequented spots for a more economical trip. To help travelers in their vacation plans, tools like Google Flights allow users to input their travel dates and city of origin to search for vacation destinations that best fit their price point. The tool is also useful if you already know where you want to go for your next big trip. By inputting your destination into the search parameters, the program will show you which dates have the cheapest flights.
Sign up for Travel Alerts
Airfares are constantly changing, based on a wide variety of factors. Fare trackers allow users to input any criteria they choose into the search bar, such as a flight route or date of departure. Should any fares change, the tracker will send an alert right to the user’s phone. According to most travel experts, Google Flights sits at the top spot for best fare tracker. Part and parcel to Google Flights reigning supreme is its incredibly user-friendly interface and flexibility in search options.
Use Carry-On Luggage
Holiday travel often means hefty plane ticket prices but you can keep those costs down by packing light and carrying your bag on the plane. For a family or even just a single person, checked luggage can really eat away at any at your gift-giving budget. While there are more people traveling around this time of year and overhead space is limited, carry-on luggage is one of the easiest ways to save $50 to $100. If the overhead space fills up, the airline will usually just check your bag anyway, usually free of charge.
Rent Cars Outside the Airport
If after your plane has landed, and you still need a car to get to grandmother’s house for the holidays, you might be tempted to use one of the in-terminal care rental services. But these counters often feature rates that are far higher than those inside city centers or at other off-airport locations. You can save a few dollars a day merely by checking for rental cars all around your destination, not just at the airport.
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Search for Coupons
Around the holidays, even when it comes to travel purchases, wallets can be tighter than a New York City bus on a Friday afternoon. The last thing you want to do is pay full price for museum visits or for dining out. If you know where you are headed and what you want to see in that location, search online for coupons. From the museum’s website to the social media account of the restaurant you envision dining at, it never hurts to do a quick coupon check for things you may want to see, do, or eat.
Watch Those Extras
You might have scored an amazing hotel deal, only to arrive and be slammed with those dreaded hidden fees. A hotel might seem like a great deal until you add up all of the extras. As your credit cards tend to be a little top heavy this time of year, you would hate to add more weight to your bill by booking a hotel that charges more for the amenities you want. Travelers around the holidays should watch out for steep parking fees, exorbitant Wi-Fi charges, ridiculous “resort fees,” and pricey breakfast buffets. You can save a great deal by booking a hotel that offers all of the amenities you want as part of the room rate.
FAQs:
Q: Where can I find additional savings tips for my holiday travel?
A: Travel blogs and forums are great resources. Websites like TripAdvisor and specialized travel blogs often share user experiences, lodging deals, and discount tips that can help you save.
Q: Should I join airline or hotel loyalty programs?
A: Absolutely! If you travel frequently, joining airline and hotel loyalty programs can accumulate points that lead to discounts, upgrades, or free stays. Some credit cards also offer rewards linked to these programs for extra savings.
Q: When is the best time to book my flight for the holidays?
A: While it’s generally wise to book early, avoid reserving too far in advance. Monitor fares and aim to book 2 to 3 months before your travel date. Use fare alert tools to help track price fluctuations.
Q: What are some alternative accommodation options during the holidays?
A: Consider home-sharing services like Airbnb or vacation rentals in less touristy areas, as these can often be more cost-effective. You might also explore housesitting opportunities that allow you to stay for free while caring for someone else’s property.
Q: Should I consider shipping gifts ahead of time when traveling?
A: Shipping gifts to your destination is a smart way to reduce luggage bulk and avoid checked bag fees. Consider using reusable shopping bags as packing tools as well.
Q: How can I find the best times to travel to avoid high fares?
A: Avoid peak travel times, such as flying during the holidays, by choosing early morning or late-night flights. These flights often come with lower fares and less crowded airports.
Q: Are there discounts for activities and attractions during off-peak hours?
A: Yes, many attractions offer lower admission rates during off-peak times. Additionally, local festivals or free events may be happening during your visit, allowing you to enjoy the destination without spending much.
Do you have a favorite way to save money on holiday travel? Let us know in the comments below.
