The holiday season usually comes with the thrill of traveling — visiting relatives, discovering unfamiliar places, or just having a break from the usual. It also comes with the strain of crowded flights and high prices. Finding the magical middle between quality and affordability can prove difficult, but it’s possible to spend less on your trip without sacrificing its quality if you implement a few strategic tips.
No matter if you’re flying cross country or carrying out a road trip, there are countless ways to reduce the expenses and still have a relaxing and pleasant vacation. Without cutting corners on comfort, here are 10 ways to save thousands on holiday travel.
Use Price Alerts and Fare Comparison Websites
You should also set up price alerts on popular travel websites such as Kayak, Skyscanner, Google Flights, etc., as they try to bundle all the data into one. These tools watch flight prices so that they can alert you when they’re going down. Patience plays here—it can pay to sit and wait for the right airfare deal; you could save hundreds. Another good tip is to use fare comparison websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal across multiple airlines.
Travel Light to Avoid Baggage Fees
Packing light is not just the best thing to do while flying; it also helps to save money. Checked baggage fees are hefty, and especially more so at peak travel times, as many airlines will charge you. Easily avoid packing fees by taking just a carry-on. If you’re traveling for a week or more, think of clothing that will serve different purposes and travel-sized toiletries. Planning ahead will have you surprised at how much you can fit into a small bag!
Consider Alternative Airports
If you’re flying into one of the major cities with multiple airports, you will often find that landing at the smaller or less busy airport can really save you some bucks. Here are some examples of cheaper ways you can fly that folks overlook: For example, instead of flying into JFK in New York, sometimes you can fly into a secondary airport like Newark and get a significantly cheaper fare. The extra travel to the final destination you are headed toward might be a bit inconvenient, but it could be worth the savings. Compare prices, but do be sure to take into account the cost of your transportation from the airport to your accommodations.
Book Non-Stop Flights
Non-stop flights can be more expensive, but they save time and cut the risk of delays, and during the holidays, it makes the most sense. The more things connected, the more the wheels for misconnections and lost luggage. Potential rescheduled flight, overnight stay, or hassle costs should also be factored in, and if just a small increase in price for a nonstop flight, it may be the better value.
Take Advantage of Reward Points and Airline Miles
Have you been too diligent in building up credit card points or airline miles? Now’s a ripe time to redeem them. Using points or miles on travel for the holidays is going to save you hundreds on airfare or an upgrade. If you don’t have a travel rewards card yet, now might be a good time to apply – this will be a great asset to future trips.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours
Early morning or late-night flights are your best bets. This is why airlines price for these “off-peak” hours when travelers aren’t as fussy. Also, airports are quieter around these times so that you will have a calmer and less stressful time. It may not be the easiest thing to do, but when you think about it, booking your flight at off-peak hours means extra savings and fewer hassles.
Stay in Vacation Rentals or Airbnb
If booking a hotel room is out of your budget, look to vacation rentals or Airbnb options. Not only do you get more space and privacy by renting a home or apartment, but usually also a full kitchen. Dining out can be great, but if you can scale back a bit, this can help you to save on dining out costs, and with a fridge to store leftovers you’ll be wasting less food and money. With so many vacation rentals available, you don’t have to give up your creature comforts to score a deal.
Opt for Public Transportation Over Taxis or Ride-Shares
After you arrive at your location, try to pay with public transportation since taxis or ride-share services are way more costly than public transportation. Not only can public transit be much cheaper, but in many cities, it’s just as convenient as other modes of transport. When in a bigger city, a multi-day pass can be your best bet for unlimited rides on buses, trains, or subways. It can save you a lot of money while letting you discover more about the culture of the place.
Plan Your Meals in Advance
Traveling, especially during the holidays, can result in expensive restaurant bills, making food one of the biggest expenses. Planning meals ahead of time could save money. Keep some groceries on hand for easy breakfasts, lunch, and snacks. If you are staying in a vacation rental, you can cook your meals and save that much more. It’s OK to treat yourself to a nice meal out now and then, but it’s helpful to have a meal strategy in place because that impulse spending can really add up.
Travel With a Group
If you’re going on a trip with a partner or friend, sharing the accommodation cost with matched accommodation like a large vacation rental or sharing an Airbnb is a great idea. There are many properties in the area that will discount a longer stay, and the cost of meals and transportation can be shared amongst the group, keeping individual costs down and still having a wonderful holiday together.
Book Flights Early and Be Flexible With Dates
Booking your flights as soon as possible is one of the easiest ways to save on holiday travel. Many airlines are charging more because they’re getting closer to the holidays, so you’ll be able to save a lot of money if you purchase your tickets in advance. If you’re flexible about your travel dates, according to Google 2024 travel trends, flying on less popular days, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays, can be cheaper than weekends. The difference between your airfare can be quite noticeable by simply shifting your trip by even a day or two.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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