Get Ready for the Holiday Travel Season: Book Early
The holiday travel season is fast approaching, and if you want to secure the best deals, it’s time to start planning. According to travel experts, booking your flights and hotels as early as possible is crucial to avoid skyrocketing prices.
“Book your trip as soon as possible,” advises Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. “Because the longer you wait, the more expensive the trip will be.”
Unfortunately, many popular travel options are already selling out quickly. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are becoming increasingly challenging to book, leaving some people reconsidering their holiday travel plans.
However, with smart planning and a little flexibility, you can still enjoy your dream trip during the holidays. While hotel rates may be higher, flights and rental cars have seen a decrease in prices compared to last year.
When is the Holiday Travel Season?
The holiday travel period in the United States typically spans from the last week in November to the first week in January. This includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. It’s a popular time to travel but can be challenging due to high demand and potential bad weather.
What Can You Expect in Terms of Prices?
Overall, domestic travel prices have decreased compared to the previous holiday season. Thanksgiving airfares have fallen by 14%, while Christmas airfares are down by 12%. Car rental rates have also seen a decline of 17% during Thanksgiving.
Gas prices remain steady, with the Department of Energy predicting no significant changes. However, hotel rates have increased, with Thanksgiving stays averaging $206 per night and Christmas stays averaging $233 per night.
While prices may be more affordable, availability is becoming a concern. Travel advisers are witnessing record demand for the 2023 holiday travel season, making it essential to book early.
Is Holiday Travel Safe in 2023?
Many travelers are concerned about safety due to recent conflicts and ongoing problems in certain regions. Experts recommend carefully reviewing travel destinations and opting for safer developed countries or staying within the United States.
Popular Holiday Destinations
For domestic travel during Thanksgiving, popular destinations include New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago. New York consistently tops the list for Christmas and New Year’s as well. Internationally, Mexico, particularly Cancún, San José del Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta, is a top choice for Americans.
Tips to Avoid Holiday Travel Pain
If you can’t avoid traveling during the holidays, try to choose the least crowded days. Expedia’s analysis suggests that flying on Monday, November 20th, before Thanksgiving can save you 12% compared to flying on the Wednesday before. Similarly, leaving on Tuesday, December 19th, or Christmas Eve can save you 25% on Christmas flights.
While there is some last-minute drama surrounding holiday travel prices, it’s worth considering waiting for further airfare drops if you have a flexible schedule. However, don’t wait too long as availability may become scarce.
Irreverent Holiday Travel Advice
If you’re looking for unconventional advice for your holiday trip, consider these suggestions:
Get out of town — way out of town: Consider escaping the cold winter by heading to sunny destinations like Sydney, Australia, or Tasmania.
Stay flexible (and wait): If you don’t have a specific destination in mind, wait for sales and compare prices using websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Expedia.
Avoid the holiday altogether: For a unique experience, consider traveling to destinations that don’t celebrate the same holidays, such as Vienna, Austria, or American-friendly Muslim countries like Qatar.
Author’s Quote: “Book your trip as soon as possible to secure the best deals and availability.”
Author’s Conclusion: Don’t miss out on your dream holiday trip. Plan ahead, book early, and consider alternative destinations for a memorable experience.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
