Ways to Save on Travel During the Holidays

‘Tis the season to start planning for travel during the holidays. When it comes to being frugal with holiday travel costs, thinking ahead and sticking to your plan is key. We’re here to get you started with some smart ways to save on holiday travel this year.

Holiday travel tips to help you save

Whether you're traveling at Thanksgiving to spend time with family or enjoying a winter vacation as an "experiential gift," there are plenty of ways to make your trip fun and wallet-friendly if you put a simple strategy into place.

1. Determine your travel budget. A solid plan will set you up for success. Start with pricing out the most expensive parts — it’s usually going to be hotel and flight expenses, or gas if you’re hitting the road.
   
   Then, map out smaller priorities. Will you need quick meals for your travel days? Takeout food and convenience store runs should be in your budget. (Money-saving tip: pack some easy snacks for your flight or car trip — it’ll save you a bundle to avoid airport or rest stop food.) Give yourself a little wiggle room for extras or emergencies, so you’re prepared if something comes up. Most importantly, stick to the budget once you’ve set it.
   
   Need extra cash to stretch your budget for travel? A holiday loan could be a good option for you. Offered by many lenders, banks and credit unions, these loans are intended to help cover holiday costs when you really need it.

2. Consider all options. If you’re spending multiple days at your destination, figure out the most cost-effective (and comfortable) accommodations for you. Is your whole family visiting Grandma for Christmas break? It’s probably cheaper to stay at her house, but it may not work with the space. Instead, look for deals on hotels and vacation home rentals that might be worth the extra cost. Just make sure you’ve worked it into your budget before you book.

3. Take advantage of apps. Searching out the best deals on holiday travel can be a daunting task on your own. Let apps like Expedia, KAYAK and Gasbuddy find your go-to spots for cheap gas, travel bundles, airline deals and more. Using money-saving apps is an effortless way to stretch your dollar, and it might save you time on researching options.

4. Book your flights early. It’s no secret that last-minute flights are going to cost you. While it’s possible to get affordable flights less than a month before your travel date, prices are typically lowest two to three months before you go.¹ Keep track of price changes using Google Flights or Hopper to know the best time to fly during the holidays.

5. Pack lightly. Speaking of cheaper flights, some low-cost airlines keep their prices low by offering all their services ala carte. But that means you might be paying more for checked bags, even if you’re paying less for your ticket. Keep your luggage to a minimum — you won’t rack up as many fees for a carry-on bag.

6. Ship your gifts before your trip. It’s tough to pack lightly if you’re carrying loads of holiday gifts with you. Instead of stuffing your car with presents or paying for extra checked bags on your flight, send the presents to your destination before you leave. It can be cost-effective and less stressful to pay for postage than dipping into your travel budget with baggage fees.

7. Be flexible with your plans. Is your time more flexible than your budget? The best days to fly during the holidays are Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Airlines often deeply discount their tickets if you’re willing to travel on the holiday itself. If you're hitting the road, traffic tends to be lighter on the actual holidays as well.
   
   Also, hotels often have cheaper room rates on certain nights around Christmas and Thanksgiving. Consider planning around those bargain nights and cut your costs by spending the holiday nights at a friend or family member’s home.
   
   No matter how organized your holiday travel plans are, things can still change. Make sure you know your cancellation policies and travel insurance options. If an emergency arises and plans change, you’ll want to know the potential effect on your wallet and how to avoid fees.

Make your holidays festive and affordable

Planning a fun and exciting holiday trip doesn’t have to drain your bank account. If you’re following these tips for traveling during the holidays, you’re sure to enjoy the season while keeping your budget intact.

1 https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/when-to-book-flights-for-cheapest-airfare
2 https://www.actiongatortire.com/7-surprising-things-affect-gas-mileage