It’s December 1st and Christmas is just around the corner, which means travelers have already missed out on airfare deals. According to Google Flights, the cheapest time to book Christmas travel is in the first week of October. Don’t get your tinsel in a twist, there are still some last-minute holiday travel tips and tricks to saving money and — more importantly — your sanity during holiday travel.
Top 5 Lifesaving Tips for Last Minute Holiday Travel
1. Scour the Web for Deals: Santa’s Secret Stash
If you’re reading this, chances are you didn’t book your holiday travel early enough and now you’re panicking. There’s still hope for snagging a good deal on flights and accommodations. One of the best ways to find deals is by scouring the internet for discounts and promo codes. Many airlines, booking sites, and hotels offer special promotions (like our promotion that is up to 25% off hotel stays this holiday season)
Prices fluctuate through the week, and even throughout the day. History tells us that airfare generally drops early in the week. The key is to set a limit, stay vigilant, and if the price drops below that ceiling, jump on it.
2. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates: The Yuletide Twist
The best time to fly is when everyone else…isn’t. Tell your family to hold off present opening for one day since you’ll be flying on Christmas morning.
And if your schedule allows it, consider extending your holiday trip to return on cheaper days — like Tuesdays or Wednesdays. These are less popular travel days so you’ll often find cheaper flights and accommodations.
3. Consider Nearby Airports: Dasher’s Detour
Another way to save money on last-minute holiday travel is by considering alternative airports. These may be slightly further away from your destination, but they could offer cheaper flights and accommodations.
For example, if you are traveling to New York City, instead of flying into JFK or LaGuardia airports, consider flying into nearby Newark Airport. It may require a longer bus or train ride to get to your final destination, but the savings could be worth it. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a new airport and possibly even a new city on your trip.
4. Travel Light to Save More: Rudolph’s Reward
Traveling light not only saves you money on baggage fees, but also allows for more flexibility with flight options. By packing essentials in a carry-on bag, you can easily opt for cheaper flights with no checked baggage option.
Additionally, traveling light means less stress and hassle during your trip. You won’t have to wait at the baggage carousel or worry about lost luggage. And if you must worry about bringing gifts, do yourself a favor and ship them via FedEx, UPS, USPS, or any number of luggage delivery services. You pay a little more than the airline, but you also get a door-to-door guarantee…and no schlepping. How convenient is that? Or, just have Amazon deliver them to your final destination.
5. Opt for Early Mornings or Late Nights: Frosty’s Flight Advice
When booking last-minute flights, it’s important to be flexible with your departure and arrival times. Early-morning or late-night flights tend to be cheaper because they are less desirable for travelers. But if you’re willing to sacrifice some sleep, you could save a significant amount of money on your flight.
Plus, early morning and late night flights often mean shorter lines at security and boarding, making for a smoother travel experience overall. And if you’re lucky, you may even get to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset from the plane window!
So next time you’re booking last-minute travel, don’t shy away from those early mornings or late nights — they may just save you some valuable cash and provide a unique and memorable experience. Just be sure to pack your warm layers and some hot cocoa for the flight.
Happy travels, adventurers! Remember, with these last-minute holiday travel tips, you can still snag a great deal and make the most out of your last-minute holiday getaway. So don’t stress too much about finding that perfect flight — sometimes the best adventures come from unexpected plans!