GET THERE, STAY THERE, AND SAVE
Traveling here, there, and yon over the holidays need not leave you penniless. There are workarounds galore that savvy travelers can use to find huge savings on airfare, hotels, and local transportation. Whether visiting family or taking a vacation, use these tips to land a holiday travel deal.
Traveling here, there, and yon over the holidays need not leave you penniless. There are workarounds galore that savvy travelers can use to find huge savings on airfare, hotels, and local transportation. Whether visiting family or taking a vacation, use these tips to land a holiday travel deal.
HOLD AIRLINE TICKETS
Airlines are required to let travelers hold domestic tickets for up to 24 hours at a locked-in price while they decide whether to go for it, or cancel within that window. This allows time to confirm plans without the risk of missing out on a low fare.
Airlines are required to let travelers hold domestic tickets for up to 24 hours at a locked-in price while they decide whether to go for it, or cancel within that window. This allows time to confirm plans without the risk of missing out on a low fare.
GET A SIGN-UP BONUS
Some credit cards offer large sign-up bonuses to new cardholders who spend a certain amount of money within the first few months. The expenses associated with the holidays make this a good time to take one of these offers.
Some credit cards offer large sign-up bonuses to new cardholders who spend a certain amount of money within the first few months. The expenses associated with the holidays make this a good time to take one of these offers.
KNOW WHEN TO BOOK FLIGHTS
In an analysis of 2015 booking data, the travel search site Hipmunk found that six weeks out was the best time to book a cheap flight to one of the nation's 20 biggest airports for the holidays. That means booking by Nov. 7 for Christmas -- and booking now if you're flying to a smaller airport, according to the site's research.
In an analysis of 2015 booking data, the travel search site Hipmunk found that six weeks out was the best time to book a cheap flight to one of the nation's 20 biggest airports for the holidays. That means booking by Nov. 7 for Christmas -- and booking now if you're flying to a smaller airport, according to the site's research.
MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS FAR IN ADVANCE
Book hotels in advance, before they begin to approach full occupancy and rates start climbing. Although hotels sometimes offer a discount for paying in advance, many reservations can be canceled within a day of the stay without penalty.
JOIN HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAMS
Even infrequent travelers should join a hotel loyalty program. Perks such as free Wi-Fi are sometimes offered even to members who haven't built up "status" in the program.
Even infrequent travelers should join a hotel loyalty program. Perks such as free Wi-Fi are sometimes offered even to members who haven't built up "status" in the program.
GET AN EXTENDED-STAY DISCOUNT
Sometimes it's possible to get a free night when booking a hotel for four or five nights in a row. This can come in handy for an extended stay while visiting family during the holidays.
Sometimes it's possible to get a free night when booking a hotel for four or five nights in a row. This can come in handy for an extended stay while visiting family during the holidays.
AVOID ATM FEES
It can be hard to find an ATM affiliated with your home bank while traveling, particularly overseas. Avoid the extra charge by opening an account with a financial services firm that refunds ATM fees.
It can be hard to find an ATM affiliated with your home bank while traveling, particularly overseas. Avoid the extra charge by opening an account with a financial services firm that refunds ATM fees.
AVOID FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES
Paying for goods and services with a credit card while traveling abroad may incur big foreign transaction fees. Avoid the extra expense by signing up for a credit card that doesn't have this fee before leaving.
Paying for goods and services with a credit card while traveling abroad may incur big foreign transaction fees. Avoid the extra expense by signing up for a credit card that doesn't have this fee before leaving.
USE CREDIT CARD POINTS
Take note of travel-related miles or points earned through a credit card. These add up and can help underwrite the cost of a vacation.
USE AIRLINE CREDIT CARD PERKS
Credit cards associated with airlines typically offer cardholders a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted in-flight meal purchases. The checked bag can be particularly useful during the holidays when transporting gifts.
Credit cards associated with airlines typically offer cardholders a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted in-flight meal purchases. The checked bag can be particularly useful during the holidays when transporting gifts.
USE CREDIT CARD INSURANCE
When renting a car, pay with a credit card that also provides insurance and decline the rental agency's collision damage waiver. But check the terms -- no matter the type of card, liability insurance often isn't included. And some policies provide only reimbursements, leaving the renter to pay for damages upfront and get paid back when an insurance company has reviewed the claim.
When renting a car, pay with a credit card that also provides insurance and decline the rental agency's collision damage waiver. But check the terms -- no matter the type of card, liability insurance often isn't included. And some policies provide only reimbursements, leaving the renter to pay for damages upfront and get paid back when an insurance company has reviewed the claim.
EARN CAR-RENTAL REWARDS
Just like airlines and hotels, many car rental companies have rewards programs. Even brand-new members may get perks, such as a waived fee for a second driver.
Just like airlines and hotels, many car rental companies have rewards programs. Even brand-new members may get perks, such as a waived fee for a second driver.
TRAVEL AT OFF-PEAK TIMES
If possible, schedule travel during non-peak times. For example, flying the day before Thanksgiving is more costly than leaving any other day that week, according to a CheapAir report, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving -- the busiest travel day of the year -- is even more expensive. Leaving a day before everyone else or staying a day later can make a big difference. Flying on holidays is also a surefire way to save.
If possible, schedule travel during non-peak times. For example, flying the day before Thanksgiving is more costly than leaving any other day that week, according to a CheapAir report, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving -- the busiest travel day of the year -- is even more expensive. Leaving a day before everyone else or staying a day later can make a big difference. Flying on holidays is also a surefire way to save.
JOIN AIRLINE REWARDS PROGRAMS
Frequent flyers should take advantage of the free rewards programs associated with their favorite airlines. Points build over time and can be used to upgrade a seat or cover the cost of a ticket.
BOOK EACH LEG SEPARATELY
Especially when traveling overseas, it can be cheaper to book each leg of a flight separately rather than booking from point A to point B with a layover.
Especially when traveling overseas, it can be cheaper to book each leg of a flight separately rather than booking from point A to point B with a layover.
BOOK ONE-WAY FLIGHTS
It's also no longer true that round-trip flights are the cheapest. Two one-way flights on different airlines may cost less than a round trip on the same airline, or provide the option of traveling at a more convenient time for the same price.
It's also no longer true that round-trip flights are the cheapest. Two one-way flights on different airlines may cost less than a round trip on the same airline, or provide the option of traveling at a more convenient time for the same price.
MAKE MONEY WHILE TRAVELING
Turn an idle vehicle into a source of profit by renting it out while traveling for the holidays.
Turn an idle vehicle into a source of profit by renting it out while traveling for the holidays.
TAKE THE BUS
Buses aren't the quickest way to travel, but they can be very affordable. Some are fairly comfortable and offer Wi-Fi, power ports for laptops and other devices, and snacks.
Buses aren't the quickest way to travel, but they can be very affordable. Some are fairly comfortable and offer Wi-Fi, power ports for laptops and other devices, and snacks.
TRAVEL WITH A GROUP
If possible, travel in a group and share the cost. like the cost of a hotel room split among four friends is way cheaper than a hotel room for just one or two. Likewise, a road trip with friends or family could save a lot of money compared with flying.
If possible, travel in a group and share the cost. like the cost of a hotel room split among four friends is way cheaper than a hotel room for just one or two. Likewise, a road trip with friends or family could save a lot of money compared with flying.
BOOK A SELF CONTAINED VILLAS
Booking a self contained villa; is often cheaper than a hotel. Most offer the chance to save money by preparing meals in a kitchen rather than eating out, and some even have the space to host holiday gatherings.
Booking a self contained villa; is often cheaper than a hotel. Most offer the chance to save money by preparing meals in a kitchen rather than eating out, and some even have the space to host holiday gatherings.
PARK OFF-SITE
Some hotels charge for parking regardless whether valet service is offered. Save by parking on the street or in nearby public lots, which often are cheaper.
Some hotels charge for parking regardless whether valet service is offered. Save by parking on the street or in nearby public lots, which often are cheaper.
ASK FOR AN INDUSTRY DISCOUNT
Friends or family members who work in the hospitality industry may be able to arrange special discounts, even when they aren't part of the travel party. Don't be shy -- suggest it as this year's holiday gift.
Friends or family members who work in the hospitality industry may be able to arrange special discounts, even when they aren't part of the travel party. Don't be shy -- suggest it as this year's holiday gift.
CRASH FOR FREE
For the ultimate in cheap lodging, sleep at a family member's home.
For the ultimate in cheap lodging, sleep at a family member's home.