Score Last-Minute Holiday Travel Deals with These Expert Tips
As the holidays approach, many people are looking for affordable travel options. However, rising costs can make it challenging to stick to a budget. According to Coupa’s latest data, 70% of consumers believe that inflation is negatively impacting their holiday spending. In response, 32% of these consumers plan to reduce their travel costs by an average of 24% this season.
While booking early has traditionally been the best way to secure the lowest fares, it is still possible to find last-minute travel deals with a bit of flexibility and insider knowledge. We reached out to three travel experts for their tips on finding budget-friendly options even at the eleventh hour.
Consider Alternative Destinations That Offer Similar Experiences
“Instead of choosing expensive destinations, consider more affordable alternatives that offer similar qualities,” suggests Henrik Jeppesen of Every Country in the World. For example, instead of opting for Hawaii or Caribbean resorts, you can research budget-friendly places like Mexico, Costa Rica, or Puerto Rico that provide beautiful beach getaways at a lower cost.
Use Flexible Search Tools to Find Cheaper Prices
“Utilize flight search engines like Skyscanner and search everywhere to find cheaper alternatives to your desired destination,” advises Jeppesen. Unlike airline-specific search engines, these tools scan all carriers globally and can uncover lower fares that you might otherwise miss. Look for sites that offer flexible date grids, which show you the cheapest days to travel. Also, consider searching across a wider area and exploring nearby airports for potential savings.
Book Directly with Hotels and Look for Promotions
“Contact hotels directly to inquire about any deals they may have,” suggests Jeppesen. Booking sites often charge commissions, which can drive up prices. By calling the hotel directly, you may be able to secure unpublished discounts. Additionally, ask if they have any last-minute or advanced purchase promotions that may not be reflected on booking websites.
Use Rewards Points and Credits Before They Expire
“If you’ve been accumulating travel rewards throughout the year, now is a great time to redeem them,” says flight expert Megan Johnson of FareDrop. Take advantage of any airline or credit card annual travel credits before they expire at the end of the year. If you already have travel points and credits, use them to offset your holiday costs.
Set Price Drop Alerts and Get Notifications of Deals
“Set up custom Google Flight alerts for your preferred routes,” recommends Johnson. This way, you’ll receive email notifications if prices drop below your target threshold. You can also sign up for deal notification services like FareDrop, which provide targeted deals based on your preferred time frame and travel region.
Travel on Holidays for Big Savings
“If your schedule allows for it, consider traveling on the holiday itself,” advises Johnson. “Most people prefer to travel earlier, causing prices to drop on the actual holiday.” So if it’s feasible for your plans, flying on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day can offer significant savings compared to peak pricing on busy travel days before and after the holiday.
Book Refundable Rates in Case Lower Fares Become Available
“Pay attention to change fees,” warns Johnson. While nonrefundable fares may initially seem cheaper, they can prevent you from taking advantage of lower fares if they become available. By opting for a fully refundable ticket, you have the flexibility to rebook at a lower price if it becomes available. Some airlines, like Southwest, don’t charge change fees, making it easier to rebook if prices drop.
Target Midweek Travel Dates for the Biggest Discounts
“In general, rates for hotels and airlines are higher during the weekend,” says Sophie Coderre of TravelPirates. “If possible, consider traveling midweek to secure better prices.” Business travelers tend to occupy flights from Monday to Thursday, leaving more availability and lower pricing over the weekends. If your plans allow, consider flying midweek to take advantage of substantial savings.
Check Rates Again Right Before Travel and Rebook If Lower
“Many hotels lower their prices a few days before your vacation,” advises Coderre. It’s always a good strategy to check rates a few days before your trip. If you find that the rate has dropped, quickly rebook at the lower price. To take advantage of last-minute rate drops without penalty, book refundable rates.
Follow Travel Brands on Social Media for Exclusive Promotions
Stay connected with airlines, hotels, and deal services on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to receive alerts on limited-time sales, especially leading up to holidays. Following these brands on social media is an excellent way to be the first to hear about promotions and last-minute deals. Remember, you can always unfollow them after you’ve booked your vacation if you don’t want their content cluttering your feed.
Last-Minute Deals Are Possible with Flexibility
Despite the rising costs of holiday travel, our experts assure us that last-minute deals are still available. By using targeted search tools, booking refundable rates, and staying connected on social media, budget-conscious travelers can find significant savings even at the eleventh hour.
Quote from the Website Author: “Although conventional wisdom tells us it’s better to plan ahead for vacations, sometimes booking a last-minute vacation means big savings.” – Sophie Coderre, TravelPirates
Conclusion from the Website Author: “This holiday season, think outside the box and seize promotional deals that fit your budget. With creativity and perseverance, you can still enjoy affordable festive getaways.” – Sophie Coderre, TravelPirates
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.
