Holiday Travel On A Budget? Here’s How To Score The Best Travel Deals!

Holiday travel is often romanticized in movies and on TV. From Hallmark movies to the Home Alone movie dynasty, we tend to think of holiday travel as cozy and luxurious. But finding good travel deals during the holidays in order to stick to a smaller budget is not an unrealistic ask.

There are lots of ways to find the best ravel deals while still enjoying the romance and luxury of it all. Here are some budget-friendly travel tips for doing exactly that.

1. Start Planning And Searching Early

For most of the best travel deals, you’ll need to start searching in advance. On average, the best deals are found about six months before your departure date, but this can vary based on the location.

Remember that last-minute price hikes are very typical during the holidays. So planning in advance can save you hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars.

But what’s the best approach to planning in advance?

1. Begin looking at flights and hotels a minimum of 2-3 months before your intended travel date. Six months is better, and if you can, start a full year in advance.
2. Set up price alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, or Hopper to get notified when prices drop. Then be read to book when they do.
3. For peak holiday times (like Christmas or New Year’s), aim to book flights no later than early October to get the best travel deals.

2. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

Having flexible dates can save you hundreds of dollars. While Christmas eve can be pricey, flying on Christmas day or even the week before can be much, much cheaper, depending on the location. Prices always go up when people are most likely to travel. So if you can sidestep those dates by even just a day or two, you can often save quite a bit.

1. Avoid peak travel days (e.g., try flying on the holiday itself or on off-peak days like Tuesday or Wednesday).
2. Consider staying a few days longer or arriving a day earlier to avoid the busiest travel times.
3. Use “flexible date” search tools on booking sites to compare options. You can easily compare pricing between days by using Google Flights which displays the best prices in their calendar view.

3. Use Alternative Airports and Consider Layovers

Large airports can be convenient and sometimes even more affordable thanks to their heavy use. But smaller airports are often overlooked and can sometimes offer the best deals on flights. While you may have to schedule an airport shuttle or take an Uber that costs a bit extra, it can often be a much better deal than using larger airports. Smaller airports have less demands and lower fees, which can lead to better travel deals.

1. Check nearby airports—sometimes driving an extra hour can save hundreds.
2. Look for multi-city flights with layovers that break up the cost but fit within your travel schedule. Sometimes, you can even do a 24 hour layover and have a mini vacation in a new location before you arrive at your destination.
3. Use tools like Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search to see destination and airport options you might not have seen otherwise.

4. Leverage Loyalty Points, Miles, and Rewards Programs

It sounds obvious, but if you have the points, use them. That said, getting them is sometimes a challenge for some people, especially if you don’t loyally fly with just one airline. Make sure the credit card you gives you loyalty points and rewards that you can use to pay less for vacation.

1. Sign up for frequent flyer programs if you haven’t already and link any credit cards that earn points.
2. Use a travel credit card that offers bonuses for new members—many offer enough points to cover a round-trip ticket or hotel stay.
3. Check with your credit card provider for travel perks like price protections, airport lounge access, or travel insurance that can add value to your trip.

5. Book Alternative Accommodations to Save on Hotels

While hotels are often really pricey around the holidays, there are ways to get better deals on accommodations. In this case, it’s once again a great idea to check different dates if you are flexible. But also consider alternative places to stay.

1. Look at Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation rental sites for options that could be cheaper than hotels.
2. Try last-minute hotel booking apps like HotelTonight or One Night for last-minute deals.
3. Consider options like hostels, guesthouses, or even staying with friends and family if possible to cut down on accommodation costs.

6. Look for Package Deals and All-Inclusive Options

While you’ll want to be wary of scams, searching for these ahead of time can help cut down on that risk considerably. bundling your travel plans (flights + hotel + car) with travel packages can earn you some savings.

1. Search on sites like Expedia, Travelocity, or Costco Travel for bundled packages that combine flights and hotels at a discount.
2. Consider all-inclusive resorts for destinations where food and activities are included.
3. Compare these packages with individual bookings to ensure the bundled price really is a good deal.

7. Use Cash-Back and Deal Sites For Extra Savings

Cash-back platforms let you earn a percentage of whatever you purchase back when you book through their links. It’s like getting a small refund for spending money.

How it Works:

1. Sign up for a cash-back site like Rakuten, TopCashback, or BeFrugal.
2. Use their portal to access travel booking websites (e.g., Expedia, Hotels.com, or rental car companies).
3. Complete your purchase as usual.
4. The cash-back site tracks your transaction and rewards you with a percentage of the total amount (e.g., 3-10%).

Also, check deal sites like Groupon or Travelzoo for last-minute discounts on activities, meals, and even accommodations.

Look for student, military, or AAA discounts (if they apply). Many airlines and hotels offer special rates.

8. Pack Light To Avoid Baggage Fees

Traveling light is always a money saver. It can be so tempting to “take it all just in case”, but realistically, you never need it all. In fact often, you use only a small portion of what you pack. Take note of those items and only pack those the next time you travel. Doing this will help save on baggage fees.

1. Stick to carry-on luggage whenever you can and avoid checked bag fees altogether.
2. Look into low-cost airlines that allow a free personal item or small carry-on.
3. Consider mailing gifts to your destination instead of carrying them with you if you’re traveling for the holidays.

Bonus Tip

While a lot of people don’t think of this when they start planning their trip, using a travel agent can not only save you time and frustration, but help you avoid scams and get you the best deals. It won’t cost you anything extra either because travel agents get paid by the companies they book you with, not by you. So utilize this free resource!

Saving Time, Money, And Frustration

Using these tips will help you save money and help you find the best travel deals while avoiding much of the frustration that can come with planning a trip. Plan early, set up alerts, and take advantage of deals wherever you can. Bon voyage!