This blog post was updated on November 5, 2024.

In addition to preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, savvy shoppers are now gearing up for what is known as Travel Tuesday. Held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this day is a great time to save on flights, hotel accommodations, and more. This dedicated day of travel savings has only been around since 2017, but even so numerous online travel portals have jumped on the bandwagon to offer some of the most significant savings of the season.

Here are some tips to help you ensure that you score the best Travel Tuesday deals this year.

Research Prices in Advance

You’ll save the most money on Travel Tuesday flights if you take the time to research the average prices ahead of time. Because these deals will not last for long, you need to be ready to pull the trigger quickly. Getting a good sense of what a trip typically costs and what constitutes a good deal will help you to make the wisest decisions. Remember that just like other retailers, certain members of the travel industry have also been known to inflate regular prices to make it look as if you’re seeing a good deal. Doing your homework earlier in November will certainly pay off in this case.

Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

As with any travel experience, you’ll see the greatest level of savings if you’re flexible with your dates and destinations. It may not be enough to be flexible within a specific week. Try looking at different months for travel and you may see even more significant savings. Expanding your list of potential destinations to a larger geographic area will also give you more options. You never know how much more money you’ll be able to save if you’re willing to be as flexible as possible during the process.

Read the Fine Print

As with any big purchase you make, be sure to read the fine print before you hit that buy button for Travel Tuesday deals. This means that you need to pay close attention to blackout dates, hidden fees, and other potential costs. Many of these great deals are only offered for limited dates and times. You may also find that some of the hotel deals require full prepayment and may be non-refundable. Be sure to go all the way through the booking process to make sure that you understand all the extra fees before you get your heart set on a particular trip. Paying attention to all the cancellation policies is especially important in case something comes up.

Consider One-Way Flights and Multiple Airlines

In addition to being flexible with dates and times, smart travelers also understand that they may find the best savings if they book one way flights rather than round trip flights. Putting together an itinerary piece by piece could save you a big chunk of change. Considering multiple airlines is another strategy that may deliver savings and make the inconvenience worth it. (Keep in mind, though, that if you miss your connecting flight, the next airline down the line doesn’t have to accommodate you on a later flight.) Being flexible when building an itinerary is a particularly good strategy when you’re traveling domestically.

Related: Mistakes You Should Avoid When Looking for Cyber Monday Flights

Stick to Brands You Trust

If a deal sounds too good to be true, there’s a good chance that it is. Don’t make the mistake of falling victim to a scam just because the price is too enticing. Stick to travel brands that you know and trust. If you have never heard of a particular airline or hotel chain, be sure to do your research before booking. The Better Business Bureau is a good resource when researching the legitimacy of an unknown brand. When travelers have a bad experience, they’re very likely to find a place to vent. It’s also a bad sign if you aren’t able to find any reviews of the travel provider that you’re considering.

Other Tips

Set price alerts: Many travel websites and apps will allow you to set price notifications. This allows you to get real-time notifications when prices drop, ensuring you don’t miss out on a great deal.

Don’t forget about travel packages: Sometimes, packages that include flights, hotels, and car rentals offer deeper discounts than booking each component separately. Keep an eye out for these bundles.

Use loyalty points or miles: Travel Tuesday might be an excellent time to redeem points or miles. Some airlines or hotel chains might even offer special promotions that require fewer points or miles than usual.

Check social media: Follow your favorite travel brands on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Many companies promote exclusive deals or codes on their social channels that you might not find on their websites.

Enlist the help of travel agents: While most people opt for online bookings, travel agents sometimes have access to exclusive deals or can offer valuable insights about the best times to book.

Consider alternative airports: Sometimes flying into a smaller nearby airport can yield significant savings, even when accounting for potential additional transportation costs.

Review payment options: Some airlines or booking sites offer discounts for using specific credit cards, PayPal, or other payment methods. Also, some credit cards come with perks like free baggage or priority boarding, which can add to your savings.

Join mailing lists of travel providers: This can give you early access to sales and exclusive discount codes, providing another avenue for potential savings.

FAQs:

Q: When exactly is Travel Tuesday?
A: Travel Tuesday is the Tuesday immediately following Thanksgiving, which falls after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Q: How long do Travel Tuesday deals typically last?
A: Most deals are available for 24 hours, but some may extend offers or sell out quickly. It’s best to book as soon as possible.

Q: Can I expect deals on both domestic and international travel?
A: Yes, Travel Tuesday offers deals for both domestic and international destinations, depending on the provider.

Q: Are travel insurance deals also available on Travel Tuesday?
A: Some travel insurance providers might offer promotions on Travel Tuesday, but it’s less common than flight or hotel deals.

Q: Do all airlines participate in Travel Tuesday?
A: Not all airlines participate, but many do. It’s wise to check specific airline websites ahead of time.

Q: How does Travel Tuesday compare to Black Friday or Cyber Monday travel deals?
A: Travel Tuesday is primarily focused on travel deals, while Black Friday and Cyber Monday may include a broader range of promotions, some of which are travel-related.

Q: Are there apps that can help me monitor Travel Tuesday deals?
A: Yes, many travel apps and websites offer notifications for sales, including Travel Tuesday specials. Consider downloading and setting alerts on your favorite travel platforms.

So which vacation are you planning this Travel Tuesday? Tell us all about it in the comments below!