Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money.
The November and December holidays can be a wonderful time for visiting friends and family, but they can also be a challenging season for your wallet. Flights, hotels, restaurants, and gifts — it all adds up. However, there are ways to save if you plan ahead and spend strategically, and this article ensures you’re equipped with every money-saving trick.
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Discover clever travel hacks for the holidays to save on flights, hotels, and more while enjoying memorable experiences. Explore our strategies today!
1. Compare Prices Across Websites
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating: Comparison shop. Travel and hotel websites may have different prices, and it never hurts to check. One popular, travel editor-approved rule of thumb is to browse on aggregate websites (Expedia, Booking.com), but book directly on the hotel website.
2. …And Across Various Platforms
Moreover, the platform used for bookings can also influence costs. Prices on mobile, whether in a browser or an app like Expedia or Kayak, might be cheaper than those found on desktop. Many aggregate websites will offer app-only promotions aiming to encourage app downloads. Therefore, check your apps to find coupons you may not otherwise cash in on.
3. Save by Bundling
Bundling your flight, hotel, and car can save hundreds of dollars. During non-peak travel times, bundling is especially effective if you tend to book late. Aggregate websites will often bundle their not-yet-sold flights and hotel rooms for an appealing last-minute package. However, around holidays, be sure to find bundle deals early. This strategy applies not only to vacation travel but can significantly brighten the spirits if you’re heading to your hometown.
4. Check Prices Early
Hotel prices typically climb quickly in the months leading up to Thanksgiving, the December holidays, and New Year’s Eve. For the 2021 holidays, it is important to note that travel infrastructure is still recovering from the pandemic. Many hotels are closed or operating at limited capacity, leading to more demand than supply. Consequently, booking early is crucial. As observed in Hopper’s New Normal Travel Booking Tips & Travel Guide, hotel availability in popular vacation destinations is declining with rising prices on last-minute bookings.
5. Waiting Until the Last Minute is High Risk, High Reward
While last-minute travel deals can be enticing, this may not be the ideal year to wait due to increased demand and decreased supply. However, if you’re willing to take the risk and wait until a few days prior to book your NYE hotel, you might score an exceptional deal at a high-end hotel. Check out HotelTonight for last-minute offers on quality properties.
6. Book a “Secret” Hotel Room
“Secret” rooms are those typically sold at reduced rates when hotels haven’t yet filled their inventory. Although you won’t know the exact accommodations until after booking, savings can top 60%. Explore Hotwire and Lastminute.com to bring an element of surprise to your holiday hotel booking.
7. Call the Front Desk
While online booking is very convenient, sometimes a phone call can yield better results. When you call, ask for the “cheapest nonrefundable rate.” You might be surprised by the rate they offer.
8. Take Advantage of Membership Discounts
Memberships like Costco, AAA, or AARP can offer discounts on travel. Familiarize yourself with all available bargains to maximize savings. If unsure about what deals your organization offers, just ask in-person or check online. Sometimes, simply googling “Costco hotel deals” can lead to significant savings.
9. Look for Business Hotels
Business hotels and properties located near financial districts tend to be less busy during holidays, leading to lower prices. While location may not be convenient for those wanting to explore tourist attractions, the savings can make it worthwhile. It can also be enjoyable to experience the city when it is less crowded.
10. Bid for Your Room
Booking platforms like Priceline enable you to bid for your room, allowing you to choose the neighborhood and star level while setting competing prices. Similar to “secret” rooms, the identity of the hotel remains unknown until booking, but you control your budget. Additionally, platforms like BiddingTraveler.com can help determine a suitable bid based on recent bookings and saving trends.
11. See If Your Employer Offers Discounts
If you work for a large company, it’s worth checking if your employer provides travel discounts, either directly or through programs like PlumBenefits. To explore this option, review your benefits literature, consult your HR department, or ask knowledgeable colleagues.
12. Check With Local Convention and Visitor Bureaus
Convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) often collaborate with local hotels to provide travelers with additional discounts and perks. Start by looking up your destination’s tourism board (for instance, type “Bermuda tourism board” in Google). Then, navigate to their hotels section and browse lodging recommendations for great deals.
13. Leverage Your Credit Card or Loyalty Program Points
Maximize the value of your credit card or loyalty program points. If you’ve allowed your travel points to accumulate over the past year plus, consider cashing in now. You may not be aware of how many points you have available. If you signed up for a Marriott rewards program in the past, revisit your account to check your points and browse properties under the Marriott umbrella. If collecting travel points through credit cards is your method of choice, log in to your credit card’s travel portal for optimal rates. Benefiting from a favorable exchange rate for points during travel expenses can make your money stretch further.
