Ah, the holidays, a season full of family gatherings, festive food, and, unfortunately, some of the highest travel prices of the year. I think most of us have felt that pang of sticker shock when booking a flight around Thanksgiving or Christmas. Everything costs more, from airfare to parking to that questionable sandwich you grab at the airport. But with some planning and a few clever hacks, you can keep travel costs in check.
Last year, I tried out some of these strategies myself, and they were so helpful. By switching up my travel dates, tracking fares like a hawk, and even taking a small airport detour, I managed to save quite a bit. The bottom line is there are ways to save that won’t leave you feeling like you compromised the holiday magic.
Here are 15 tips for holiday travel that won’t drain your bank account. Some of these tricks may seem small, but together, they add up to significant savings.
1. Book Your Tickets Early (But Not Too Early)
You’d think booking way in advance would always save money, but airlines don’t quite work that way. The sweet spot for the best fares is usually around two to eight months before you travel. If you book too early, prices might still be high, but wait too long, and they’ll climb even higher as seats fill up.
Set fare alerts for your destination about two months in advance. This will give you a chance to catch any price drops in that window when airlines are still trying to fill seats. Some browsers like Kayak will even give you an estimate of which way they think prices are headed (to wait and try to save or buy asap).
2. Travel on the Holiday Itself
Here’s a tip that feels counterintuitive: Sometimes, the cheapest day to travel is the actual holiday. Not everyone wants to fly on Thanksgiving morning or Christmas Day, so prices often dip a bit. As a bonus, airports tend to be less crowded, too (maybe).
If you don’t mind a slightly less traditional start to your celebration, flying on the holiday can save you both money and stress.
3. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Holiday travel is all about timing. If you’re willing to fly a day or two before or after peak days, you could save a chunk of change. For example, flying on a Wednesday instead of a Friday often comes with a better price tag.
Look up your destination on a flexible-date search tool like Google Flights or Kayak to find the cheapest day within your desired timeframe.
4. Set Up Fare Alerts
Fare alerts are a lifesaver. Sign up for alerts on sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner, and they’ll notify you when ticket prices drop. That way, you don’t have to keep checking prices every day.
This approach allows you to act quickly when prices dip, potentially snagging a better deal than you would by booking blindly.
5. Stick to a Carry-On to Avoid Fees
Airlines make a killing on checked bag fees, especially during the holidays. Pack light and stick to a carry-on if possible, and you’ll avoid these extra charges.
If you’re traveling with gifts, consider shipping them ahead of time to avoid lugging them through the airport or paying for extra baggage.
6. Fly Out of a Nearby Airport
If your city has multiple airports, check flights from each. Smaller, regional airports often have cheaper fares, plus they’re usually less crowded, making the experience a bit smoother.
Even if you have to drive an hour (or two) out of your way, the savings might make it worth the extra effort. Just don’t forget to consider the cost of long-term parking too.
7. Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier aren’t known for luxury, but they’ll get you from A to B at a lower fare. Just keep an eye on those extra fees; they can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
Pack light, skip the in-flight snacks, and you’ll keep your fare low without all the extras.
8. Use Points and Miles
If you’ve been building up points with a travel rewards credit card, now’s the time to cash in. Many cards let you use points for flights, hotels, and even car rentals, helping to cut down your holiday travel expenses.
Before booking, check your points balance; you might be surprised at how much they can cover. If you don’t currently have a credit card, you might consider signing up for one that offers a nice bonus to kickstart your travel plans. Often, cards with specific airlines offer free checked bags as well as an added bonus.
9. Take Public Transportation to the Airport
Airport parking fees can be sky-high during the holidays. If you live in a city with good public transportation, consider using it to get to the airport.
You’ll not only save money but also avoid the hassle of parking at a packed airport lot.
10. Road Trip Instead of Flying
If your destination is only a few hours away (6 or less), consider driving instead of flying. Gas prices can still be lower than airfare, especially if you’re traveling with family and can split costs.
A road trip gives you more flexibility and a bit of an adventure without the airport hassle.
11. Check Out Package Deals
Sometimes, travel booking sites like Expedia offer deals if you book your flight, hotel, and car together. This bundling approach can save you more than booking each part separately.
It doesn’t work for everyone, but if you’re planning on staying at a hotel, it’s worth comparing bundle prices.
12. Look for Student and Military Discounts
Many airlines and travel sites offer discounts for students, military personnel, and even teachers. These aren’t always advertised, so it pays to do a quick search or call customer service to see what’s available.
Even if it only saves you 10%, that’s money back in your pocket for holiday shopping.
13. Bring Your Own Snacks
Airport food is pricey, and the quality is hit or miss. Pack snacks and bring a refillable water bottle for post-security so you won’t be stuck paying $10 for a bottle of water and a granola bar.
It’s a small move that can add up over several hours of travel.
14. Use Cashback Websites for Bookings
Websites like Rakuten offer cashback on purchases, including flights and hotels. Just log in and click through to your travel site to earn a small percentage back.
It’s like getting a mini rebate on your travel expenses, money you wouldn’t get back otherwise.
15. Look Beyond Hotels
Airbnb, Vrbo, and even home exchanges are worth exploring for holiday travel. These options can sometimes be cheaper than hotels, especially for longer stays or if you’re traveling with a group.
Plus, having a kitchen means you can cook instead of eating out, which can be a lifesaver for the budget.
14 Cheap Yet Luxurious Holiday Destinations
These aren’t just cheap spots; they’re destinations where you’ll feel like you’re getting far more than you paid for.
So, if you’re ready to experience the high life without the high cost, here are 14 holiday destinations where you can do just that.
14 Cheap Yet Luxurious Holiday Destinations
14 Top Thanksgiving Destinations
Thanksgiving has a unique way of sparking up different traditions, from huge family gatherings to cozy weekends away.
So, if you’re considering a getaway this year, here’s a lineup of 14 amazing Thanksgiving destinations. Each one offers something special to make your holiday more than just a meal, but a chance to create some unforgettable memories.
14 Top Thanksgiving Destinations
15 of the Best European Christmas Markets
If there’s one thing Europe does right, it’s Christmas. And nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like wandering through a festive Christmas market, browsing stalls packed with handcrafted ornaments and seasonal treats. There’s no denying the magic they bring during the holiday season.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
