The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year, and whether you’re flying across the country to see family or taking a road trip to your favorite winter getaway, holiday travel can get expensive fast.
But with a little bit of planning and strategy, you can save big on your holiday travel without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Here are some smart travel tips to help you save money, reduce stress, and make the most of your holiday adventures this year.
Book Early (Or at the Right Time)
When it comes to holiday travel, timing is everything.
The earlier you book, the better your chances of finding lower fares.
Most travel experts suggest booking flights at least two to three months in advance to lock in the best rates, especially for popular travel dates.
However, if you’ve missed the early booking window, all is not lost.
Airlines and hotels sometimes offer last-minute deals to fill empty seats and rooms.
Setting up alerts for price drops on sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner can help you snag a good deal if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
Pro Tip: According to travel experts, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days to fly, so if your schedule allows, try to plan your trip around these days for lower fares.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Speaking of flexibility, one of the best ways to save money on holiday travel is to be open to flying or driving on less popular travel days.
Most people travel the day before or after major holidays, which leads to higher prices and crowded airports.
Consider traveling a few days earlier or staying a little longer to avoid peak travel days.
For example, instead of flying on the day before Christmas Eve, try booking a flight two to three days before or even on Christmas Day itself, when fewer people are flying and prices tend to be lower.
Bonus Tip: If you’re driving, plan to hit the road early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid heavy traffic.
Use Travel Rewards and Points
If you’ve been saving up travel rewards points or airline miles, now is the perfect time to use them!
Many credit cards offer rewards that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or rental cars, helping you save big on your holiday travel expenses.
Before booking anything, check your rewards balances and see if you can use points to cover part or all of your travel costs.
Some airlines and hotels even offer special promotions for booking with points during the holidays, so it’s worth looking into.
Pro Tip: If your points don’t cover the full cost of a flight or hotel, some programs allow you to combine points with cash for a discounted rate.
Pack Light and Avoid Extra Fees
Airlines are notorious for charging extra fees, and one of the most common is the fee for checked baggage.
Avoid these charges by packing light and sticking to a carry-on whenever possible.
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also save time by skipping the check-in lines and waiting at the baggage claim.
If you do need to check a bag, look for airlines that offer free checked luggage, such as Southwest Airlines, or consider signing up for a credit card that includes free checked bags as part of its benefits.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to check your airline’s baggage policies before packing. Some budget airlines have strict size and weight limits for carry-ons, and exceeding these limits can result in hefty fees at the gate.
Consider Alternative Airports
Major airports are usually the busiest and most expensive places to fly into, especially during the holidays.
But if you’re willing to drive a little farther, you can often find cheaper flights by flying into a smaller, regional airport.
For example, if you’re traveling to a major city, check nearby airports for better deals.
The extra drive from a smaller airport can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars on your ticket.
Pro Tip: Some budget airlines like Spirit, Allegiant, or Frontier only fly out of smaller airports, so be sure to check them out when planning your trip.
Book Non-Traditional Accommodations
Hotels can get expensive quickly during the holiday season, especially in popular destinations.
Instead of booking a traditional hotel, consider alternative accommodations like vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, which are often more affordable and come with the added bonus of extra space and amenities like a kitchen.
If you’re open to an adventure, consider staying at a hostel or even housesitting while someone else is away.
Websites like TrustedHousesitters allow you to stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for taking care of their pets or plants while they’re away.
Bonus: If you’re staying in a rental or a place with a kitchen, you can save even more by cooking some of your own meals instead of dining out for every meal.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
While it might seem like an unnecessary expense at first, travel insurance can actually save you a lot of money and headaches, especially during the busy and unpredictable holiday travel season.
Delays, cancellations, and even lost luggage are common during the holidays, and travel insurance can help cover the costs and protect your trip.
Many credit cards also offer built-in travel insurance if you book your trip with the card, so be sure to check your card’s benefits before purchasing separate insurance.
Use Apps and Tools for Deals
Technology is your best friend when it comes to finding travel deals.
Use apps like Hopper, Google Flights, or Kayak to track flight prices and get alerts when fares drop.
You can also use hotel apps like HotelTonight to find last-minute deals on rooms if you need to book a place to stay.
Some airlines and hotels also offer exclusive discounts for booking through their app, so be sure to check for any additional savings.
Holiday travel doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive if you plan ahead and use these smart strategies.
By being flexible with your travel dates, using rewards points, and taking advantage of alternative accommodations and airports, you can save money and enjoy a smooth travel experience.
With a little preparation and these tips in mind, you’ll be able to travel to your holiday destination with peace of mind—without breaking the bank. Safe travels and happy holidays!
Leave a Reply