The holiday season is a magical time to travel, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. From soaring airfare to packed hotels, it seems like everyone is hitting the road. But don’t worry! With a little planning and some smart strategies, you can keep your travel costs down and still enjoy a fantastic holiday trip. Here are our top tips and tricks to how to save money on holiday travel.
1. Book Early (But Stay Flexible)
The earlier you start searching for flights and accommodations, the better your chances of securing lower prices. Airlines often release tickets 6-12 months in advance, and prices tend to increase the closer you get to the travel date. But don’t be afraid to monitor fares — some great deals may pop up if you’re flexible with dates.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to set alerts and track price changes. These tools notify you when fares drop, so you can book at the perfect time.
2. Consider Alternative Airports
Large, popular airports are often the most expensive to fly into, especially during peak holiday seasons. Instead, look into nearby regional airports. The savings on flights might be worth the extra hour or two of travel to your destination.
Pro Tip: Use apps like Kiwi or Momondo to check fares from smaller airports and consider multi-city trips to maximize savings.
3. Travel on Off-Peak Days
Holiday travel typically peaks a few days before and after major holidays. If your schedule allows, try flying on the holiday itself or a few days earlier/later. The difference in pricing can be significant.
Pro Tip: Avoid traveling the day before Thanksgiving or Christmas — the busiest (and most expensive) days of the year.
4. Use Rewards and Miles
This is a no-brainer for frequent travelers. Cashing in your credit card rewards points or airline miles during the holiday season can save you hundreds of dollars. Many rewards programs also have bonuses or discounted redemption options during this time.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on points, look into points-sharing programs with family or friends to top off your balance.
5. Book with Discount Travel Sites
While booking directly with airlines and hotels has its perks, third-party travel sites often offer exclusive deals. Websites like Priceline, Expedia, and Hotwire sometimes have flash sales or bundled deals that give you a significant discount on flights and hotels.
Pro Tip: Look out for special promotions or last-minute sales during events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday for holiday travel deals.
6. Leverage Price Comparison Tools
Always compare prices before making a booking. Websites like Kayak and Trivago allow you to see prices across multiple platforms, ensuring you get the best rate. And if you’re booking accommodations, sites like Airbnb and Vrbo might have cheaper and cozier options than hotels, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
Pro Tip: Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode when searching for flights or hotels. Some websites may raise prices based on your search history.
7. Travel Light to Avoid Extra Fees
Many budget airlines have cut down on free checked luggage. By packing smart and bringing only carry-ons, you can avoid hefty baggage fees that add up quickly, especially when traveling with family.
Pro Tip: Use packing cubes to stay organized and maximize space in your carry-on.
8. Stay Outside the Tourist Hotspots
If you’re traveling to a popular holiday destination, consider staying a bit outside the main attractions. Not only can you save on accommodations, but you’ll also enjoy a more authentic experience away from the tourist crowds.
Pro Tip: Use public transportation or rent bikes to explore local neighborhoods and save on pricey taxi fares or car rentals.
9. Be Open to Alternative Accommodations
Beyond hotels and vacation rentals, consider other options like house-sitting, staying with friends or family, or even doing a home exchange. These can significantly cut down your accommodation costs, leaving more room in your budget for experiences.
Pro Tip: Check out websites like TrustedHousesitters or HomeExchange for house-sitting opportunities.
10. Take Advantage of Holiday Deals
Holiday sales aren’t just for electronics or clothes. Airlines and hotels often have deals for travelers during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other seasonal events. Sign up for newsletters from airlines and travel booking sites to stay in the loop.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check social media. Many companies announce flash sales or exclusive discount codes on their pages.
Here’s our list on how to save money on holiday travel. By following these simple booking tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an affordable holiday adventure. Remember, flexibility and planning are key when it comes to saving on travel. Happy holiday travels!
Looking for more holiday traveling tips. Check out more of our Holiday Travel Tips and Tricks.
