When is the best time to book holiday travel?
With the lazy days of summer gone, people start thinking about holiday travel plans. But when is the best time to book holiday travel?
From visiting family to a romantic getaway, holiday travel is often on many people’s must do list. Finding a good deal on holiday travel can be the difference in going someplace spectacular versus someplace familiar. Even the trip to grandma’s house can require a little planning. Finding the best time to book holiday travel can keep the travel budget in check.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of the busiest travel holidays. While destinations can vary from year to year, many people can plan holiday travel far in advance. With some careful planning, everyone can find a good deal on those airline tickets.
The biggest rule of thumb when booking airline travel is book it when you see it. Often, airline fares fluctuate. Even a few hours, like morning to afternoon, can make a significant issue in price. Basically, if you see an amazing deal, book the flight right then and there. If you wait too long, that great deal could be have vanished.
Generally, holiday travel has some preferred booking times for the best travel deals. According to Expedia, the best time to book Thanksgiving travel is “61-90 days out.” This time frame can see a decent discount in airfare. Basically, this timeframe means that airfare booked before the end of September should be cheaper than waiting till October or November. If you’re planning on a turkey dinner with the family, it is time to start looking at airfare.
For Christmas travel, the best time to book airfare is “14-20 days out,” according to Expedia. December travel has a smaller booking window. Even though this timeframe is closer to the actual holiday, travelers often see a slight reduction in costs.
If you are looking to book holiday travel, an airfare price alert is a great tool. Google Flights offers an airfare tracker that alerts the user every time the lowest airfare changes. From price drops to price increased, Google will send an alert email.
This service is a great way to plan for trips. I have used this service many times and saved significant sums of money. While Google doesn’t include Southwest Airlines, the alerts feature most major airlines. If your travel plans are flexible (time of day or even airport), this free service can save you money.
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As you put away the swimsuits and shorts, it is time to start planning holiday travel. Whether you’re heading home or traveling to a far off land, take advantage of the best opportunity to book. The money you save could go towards a beautiful vacation souvenir.