Saving on Holiday Travel

Holiday Travel Cost Reality

Holiday travel is notoriously expensive, with prices spiking 30-50% compared to off-peak times. The combination of high demand, limited availability, and time constraints makes holiday travel one of the biggest budget challenges of the season. However, strategic planning and flexibility can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

Best Times to Book Holiday Travel

Booking Windows by Holiday

Best Days to Fly

• Cheapest outbound: Tuesday-Wednesday before holidays
• Most expensive: Friday-Sunday before holidays
• Cheapest return: Tuesday-Wednesday after holidays
• Most expensive: Sunday evening after holidays
• Savings: Flying on off-peak days can save 30-50%

Best Times to Depart

• Early morning (5-7am): Typically 15-25% cheaper
• Late night (after 9pm): Also discounted, less popular
• Avoid: Midday and early evening flights (most expensive)
• Red-eyes: Overnight flights can save money + hotel night

Flight Booking Strategies

Use Multiple Search Tools

Compare prices across multiple platforms:

• Google Flights: Best calendar view, price tracking
• Skyscanner: Searches budget airlines, flexible dates
• Kayak: Good price predictor, hacker fares
• Momondo: Often finds deals others miss
• Airline direct: Sometimes cheaper than aggregators
• Southwest: Not on aggregators, must check separately

Price Alert Best Practices

1. Set alerts 3 months before travel
2. Monitor prices for 2-4 weeks
3. Book when price drops 15-20% below average
4. Don't wait for perfect price—may never come
5. Consider booking once price is "good enough"

Alternative Airports Strategy

Credit Card and Rewards Strategies

• Travel credit cards: Earn 2-5x points on travel
• Sign-up bonuses: Can cover entire flights (50,000+ points)
• Companion passes: Southwest, Alaska (2-for-1 flights)
• Portal booking: Use credit card travel portals for bonus points
• Transfer partners: Transfer points to airlines for better value
• Cashback cards: 2% back on all purchases

Budget Airlines and Hidden Costs

Budget Airlines Worth Considering

• Southwest: Free checked bags, no change fees, drink coupons
• JetBlue: Free snacks, more legroom, live TV
• Spirit/Frontier: Ultra-low base fares but many fees
• Allegiant: Service to smaller cities, low prices

Calculate TRUE Cost of Budget Airlines

Avoid These Fees

• Pack light: Personal item only (backpack that fits under seat)
• Print boarding pass at home: Avoid airport printing fees
• Bring snacks: Avoid overpriced airport/airline food
• Skip seat selection: Get assigned at gate for free
• Check-in early: First to check-in get better random seats

Hotel Savings Strategies

Booking Timing for Best Rates

• Book 3-4 weeks ahead: Sweet spot for most hotels
• Last-minute apps: HotelTonight for unsold rooms (risky during holidays)
• Avoid: Booking day-of (highest rates)
• Midweek check-in: Tuesday-Wednesday often cheaper

Where to Search for Hotels

• Hotel direct: Often matches or beats third-party sites
• Booking.com: Good rewards program, free cancellation
• Hotels.com: Earn free nights (stay 10, get 1 free)
• Priceline: Express Deals and Name Your Price
• Hotwire: Hot Rate deals (don't know hotel until booked)
• Costco Travel: Members-only deals

Hotel Alternatives

Hotel Loyalty Programs

• Sign up for free (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG)
• Status match: Get instant elite status from other programs
• Free breakfast: Elite status often includes breakfast
• Room upgrades: Better rooms at same price
• Late checkout: Extra flexibility on departure day

Ground Transportation Savings

Rental Car Strategies

• Book early: Prices increase as availability drops
• Compare: Kayak, Autoslash, Costco Travel
• Skip add-ons: Insurance (covered by credit card), GPS (use phone)
• Avoid airport rentals: Off-site locations 20-40% cheaper
• Fill gas before return: Avoid expensive prepaid gas
• Membership discounts: AAA, Costco, AARP save 10-25%

Alternatives to Rental Cars

• Public transit: Often $5-10 vs $50+ for car/day
• Uber/Lyft: Calculate if cheaper than rental for short trips
• Airport shuttles: Shared rides $15-30 to city
• Hotel shuttles: Free or low-cost from airport
• Car-sharing: Zipcar, Turo for occasional use

Driving Instead of Flying

Package Deal Strategies

When Packages Save Money

• Flight + hotel: Can save 15-25% bundled
• Vacation packages: Expedia, Costco Travel, airline packages
• All-inclusive resorts: One price for room, food, drinks, activities
• Best for: Popular destinations, longer trips

Package Booking Tips

• Compare bundled vs separate booking
• Read reviews before booking
• Check what's included (meals, transfers, activities)
• Understand cancellation policies
• Confirm hotel quality and location

Travel Timing Strategies

Avoid Absolute Peak Times

Travel just before or after the busiest days:

• Thanksgiving: Fly Monday instead of Wednesday (save 30%)
• Christmas: Arrive Dec 23 instead of Dec 24 (save 25%)
• New Year: Travel Dec 28-29 instead of Dec 30-31 (save 35%)
• Return: Extend trip by 1 day for better rates

Consider Alternative Dates

• Celebrate holiday on different day if possible
• Travel week before or after the holiday
• Use remote work flexibility to travel mid-week
• Split difference: Arrive early, leave early

Packing to Save Money

Avoid Checked Bag Fees

• Carry-on only: Save $30-$60 per person each way
• Compression bags: Fit more in carry-on
• Wear bulky items: Jackets, boots on the plane
• Ship items: Can be cheaper than checked bags
• Coordinate with travel partners: Share space in bags

Bring Snacks and Entertainment

• Pack sandwiches for travel day (save $15-30)
• Bring empty water bottle, fill after security
• Download movies/books before trip
• Pack chargers and power banks
• Bring headphones to avoid purchase

Holiday Travel Checklist