As the holiday travel season draws near, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are set to be not only busy but also expensive. However, for the savvy traveler, there’s potential to save about 25% by sidestepping peak travel times during these holidays.
In a recent discussion with experts from Going.com, insights were shared regarding optimal travel strategies. They recommend that those looking to save on flights should avoid traveling on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday and Monday just before Christmas. Interestingly, the Sunday following Thanksgiving is often one of the busiest travel days of the year. Instead, travelers may want to consider flying on the actual holidays, such as Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, which can result in significant savings on airfare.
Scott Keyes, the founder and chief flight expert at Going, pointed out that flight prices have seen a decrease after the summer season compared to previous years. He emphasized the importance of flexibility in travel plans to drive down costs. For example, choosing to return on December 31 instead of January 1 can not only save money but also create a more relaxed airport experience due to reduced congestion.
Keyes also advises those planning to fly during Thanksgiving or Christmas to secure their tickets by October 14, ideally booking at least 21 days in advance to avoid any last-minute price surges.
Additionally, Google recently released data on top holiday destinations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. James Byers, a product manager in Google’s search department, noted that for domestic Thanksgiving travel, the best flight deals typically emerge in early October. When it comes to Christmas travel within the U.S., booking at the end of October generally leads to the best prices, although this can vary based on the destination.
In terms of Thanksgiving, the top three destinations are Orlando, Cancun, and New York, with Los Angeles coming in eighth. Most of the other popular spots reside in the U.S., while London and Paris rank fifth and seventh, respectively. As for Christmas and New Year’s, Tokyo stands out as the most sought-after destination.
