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The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year—but it can also be one of the most expensive, especially when it comes to travel. Whether you’re flying across the country to visit family or driving to a nearby destination, travel expenses can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are several savvy strategies that can help you save big on your holiday trips without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Here are 5 hacks to save on holiday travel this year, so you can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank!
1. Book Early (But Not Too Early)
When it comes to booking your travel, timing is everything. The key is to book in advance, but not necessarily months ahead. While booking too early can result in paying higher prices, waiting until the last minute can lead to sky-high costs due to limited availability.
Hack: Try to book your flights or accommodations about 4-6 weeks ahead of time. According to travel experts, this is when prices tend to stabilize before the holiday rush. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor price fluctuations and snag the best deals.
2. Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Holiday travel is notorious for being expensive, but it doesn’t have to be if you’re flexible with your dates and departure times. Flying on peak days like Christmas Eve or the day after Thanksgiving can be costly, but flying on off-peak days, such as the Tuesday or Wednesday before Christmas or after New Year’s, can save you a significant amount of money.
Hack: If your schedule allows, avoid traveling on the busiest days. Flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, or even early morning or late-night flights tend to be cheaper. For road trips, traveling at off-peak times (like mid-morning or mid-week) will also help you avoid higher gas prices and heavy traffic.
3. Use Reward Points and Travel Deals
If you have a rewards credit card or a loyalty program with an airline or hotel chain, now’s the time to use those points! Many credit card companies offer sign-up bonuses or points multipliers during the holiday season, which can help you cut costs significantly.
Hack: Check your points balance and consider redeeming them for free flights, hotel stays, or upgrades. Additionally, watch for flash sales or special promotions from airlines and travel agencies that offer discounted holiday travel packages. Signing up for deal newsletters like Scott’s Cheap Flights or Airfarewatchdog will help you stay on top of the best deals.
4. Consider Alternative Airports or Routes
Flying into major airports can be convenient, but they’re often the most expensive. If you have some flexibility, look for nearby airports or alternative routes that could save you money. Smaller airports tend to have lower fees and can be less crowded, especially around the holidays.
Hack: Use flight search engines that allow you to compare different airports. For example, if you’re traveling to New York, consider flying into Newark or LaGuardia instead of JFK. If you’re driving, consider smaller towns or regional hubs that are within a few hours of your final destination.
5. Pack Light to Avoid Extra Fees
Holiday travel can quickly become costly with extra baggage fees, especially if you’re flying on a budget airline. Instead of paying for checked luggage or multiple bags, pack as light as possible and opt for a carry-on bag to avoid unnecessary charges.
Hack: Master the art of packing light by sticking to the essentials and using space-saving techniques like rolling your clothes or packing cubes. Many airlines now offer free carry-on allowances, but always check their specific policies to avoid surprises. If you’re staying with family or friends, ask ahead if you can use their washer and dryer to save space in your suitcase.
Bonus Tip: Carpool or Share Travel Costs
If you’re driving long distances to see family or friends, consider carpooling or splitting gas and accommodation costs with others. Traveling with a group can help spread out the costs of fuel, food, and lodging. If you don’t have others to travel with, use apps like Turo or BlaBlaCar to find rideshares and make your travel more affordable.
Final Thoughts:
With a little bit of planning and flexibility, it’s possible to save on holiday travel without sacrificing the joy of the season. Whether you’re flying, driving, or using rewards points, these 5 hacks to save on holiday travel can help you keep your budget intact while still making the most of your time with loved ones. So go ahead and enjoy the holidays, and let these tips help you get there without the stress of overspending!
Safe travels and happy holidays!
