While I love that the holiday season is upon us, one aspect fills me with dread holiday travel chaos. Every year, I hope my travel experience doesn’t rival the stress level of the airport Home Alone 2:00but it seems almost inevitable given how busy this time of year can be. While I can’t control busy airports or the ever-moving parts of organizing a vacation trip, I promise. getting the best deals possible on a holiday trip this year.
I know it might feel early, but when you see snowmen and candy canes replacing skeletons and pumpkins in every storeit’s time to start planning your vacation trip. the season comes with so much cost; the last thing you want is to overpay for flights just because you’re delayed. fortunately The experts at Google Flights shared some top tips for saving money on holiday travel this year. Whether you’re booking a flight home for the holidays or winter vacation planningHere’s what you need to know to get the best deals.
1. Book ASAP
I understand that. flight bookings are easy to delay. We’ve all been guilty of procrastinating, only to be met with minimal options and a much higher price than expected. If that sounds like you, let this be your reminder that early birds really do get the worm when it comes to affordable flights. Start looking at flights as soon as you know where you’re going. According to Google FlightsDomestic flight prices are usually lowest 38 days before departure, but booking anywhere between 21-52 days is a good bet for low prices. Prices for international flights usually start to increase 50 days before departure.
If you travel For ThanksgivingThe cheapest prices for domestic flights usually appear 45 days before departure, and the lowest prices range from 26-59 days. You’ll want to plan ahead around Christmas, Google Flights reports that prices are historically lowest 58 days before departure, with low prices ranging from 36-72 days. If you’re reading this, it’s not too late, but it’s time to find a flight of motion detectors.
2. Set price tracking signals
Gone are the days of constantly refreshing tabs to check for price drops. Technology can do all the work for you. Tracking flight prices (either through Google Flights or another flight tracking website such as A BOAT or Hopper), you can make sure you’re getting the best deal without taking the time to do a deep research dive. You can track as many flights as you like, and Google Flights will notify you by email when prices go up or down, making it easy to decide when to pull the trigger and buy.
3. Book a return flight ticket and continue price tracking
If waiting to book in hopes of a price drop makes your heart race (Type A planners, I see you). here’s a hack you will love Book a return ticket and enable price tracking on Google Flights. If the price drops, you can rebook at a lower price without stressing about missing your ideal flight time. Just check the airline and booking provider’s refund policy and confirm that they allow you to upgrade to a cheaper option.
4. Consider multiple airports
A direct flight to an airport just minutes from your final destination is the gold standard when traveling, but unfortunately it’s not always the most affordable. It can save you a pretty penny if you’re flexible with your destinationdon’t mind a layover or don’t want to travel to an airport far from your last stop. When tracking your flights, include multiple airports and destinations so you can easily see the cost difference to make your travel day a little longer or less direct. It might be worth the extra work if it saves you hundreds of dollars on a shuttle or train after your flight (or convinces a particularly loving and hospitable relative to drive on to pick you up).
5. Fly early in the week
You’ve probably heard that booking your flight on a weekend results in higher prices. While this is technically true, according to Google Flightsthe difference is small. Booking a Tuesday is only 1.3 percent cheaper than Sunday, the most expensive day. The real difference depends on when you fly. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days to travel, while flights from Friday to Sunday can be 13% more expensive for domestic flights and 20% more expensive for international flights. It can make a big difference if you can adjust your PTO and fly early in the week.
6. Use the “What You’ll Pay” feature to compare hotels
Flights aren’t the only significant expense on vacation travel. If you’re not staying with friends or family, accommodations can also be expensive. Google Flights offers a “What You’ll Pay” feature that helps you compare hotel prices, how they compare to past averages, and their ratings. You can use it to compare hotels and rentals side-by-side and see if booking directly or through a third-party site will give you the best deal. It’s a convenient way to explore your options and ensure you’re getting a reasonable price.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren brainstorms and writes content for every area of our readers’ lives. Her articles cover home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries and everything in between. When she’s not experimenting with the latest TikTok trend, she can be found on Instagram finding beautiful homes to feature on the site.
