Planning a Christmas getaway? The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, but that doesn’t mean you have to overspend. With some smart strategies and planning, you can save big on flights and hotels. Here’s how:
Book Early or Be Flexible
- Book Early: Airlines and hotels often increase prices as Christmas approaches. Lock in your reservations as early as possible to secure the best rates.
- Be Flexible: Flying on less popular days, like Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, can save you hundreds. Midweek travel often comes with cheaper fares.
Pro Tip: Use fare prediction tools like Google Flights or Hopper to identify the best time to book.
Use Travel Comparison Sites
Leverage online tools to compare prices across multiple platforms:
- Flights: Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo.
- Hotels: Booking.com, Expedia, and Trivago.
- Bundles: Check sites like Priceline or Orbitz for package deals that include flights and hotels.
Pro Tip: Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode to avoid dynamic pricing.
Consider Alternative Airports and Accommodations
- Fly from Alternative Airports: Smaller or nearby airports often have lower fares. Check all airport options within driving distance.
- Stay in Alternative Accommodations: Save money by booking:
- Vacation rentals on Airbnb or Vrbo.
- Hostels or budget hotels.
- Extended-stay hotels offering kitchenettes to save on meals.
Sign Up for Alerts and Rewards
- Flight Alerts: Sign up for price drop alerts from Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Airfarewatchdog.
- Hotel Loyalty Programs: Many chains offer discounts, free nights, or upgrades for members.
- Airline Miles and Credit Card Points: Redeem points for free or discounted flights and stays.
Book Flights and Hotels Together
Many travel sites offer significant discounts when you book flights and hotels as a package. This approach works especially well for international trips or longer stays.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
Avoid the busiest travel days, usually the weekend before Christmas and the days immediately after. Flying early in the morning or late at night can also reduce costs.
Look for Last-Minute Deals
If you’re spontaneous, you can find incredible last-minute deals on apps like HotelTonight or through airlines’ flash sales. Keep your schedule flexible to take advantage of these opportunities.
Use Cashback and Discount Apps
- Cashback: Use apps like Rakuten or TopCashback to earn money back on travel bookings.
- Discount Codes: Search for promo codes on sites like RetailMeNot or Groupon before checking out.
Leverage Local Knowledge
For hotels, contact local tourism offices or check out local travel blogs for insider tips on the best deals. Sometimes smaller, independent hotels offer discounts that aren’t advertised online.
Be Prepared to Negotiate
If you’re booking directly with hotels, don’t hesitate to ask for a better rate, especially for longer stays. Mentioning competitor prices can sometimes lead to discounts or perks like free breakfast or parking.
By following these strategies, you can cut down on travel costs and enjoy a memorable Christmas vacation without the financial stress. Happy travels and holiday cheer!
