Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and for many, it's not just about the feast or family gatherings; it's also the time for travel. Planning trips around this holiday can be quite the challenge. Whether you're heading home for turkey with your loved ones or escaping to sun-soaked beaches, it's all about snagging the best deals and avoiding the peak travel madness.
With just about 20 days left until Thanksgiving, travel experts urge prospective travelers to begin securing their airfare deals, both for this holiday and the upcoming Christmas season. Brian Kelly, the CEO and founder of The Points Guy, emphasizes the significance of acting fast. He mentioned on "Good Morning America" recently, "The good news is there are a lot of deals this year, especially internationally. It’s probably going to be the busiest holiday travel season ever." This year has already seen up to 9% more travelers compared to last, especially following the recent election.
So, when is the best time to fly for Thanksgiving? According to Kelly, the period from Wednesday through Sunday is typically the most expensive time to travel. He suggests considering less popular days, like Thanksgiving Day itself or even on the preceding Tuesday, to potentially save big on airfare and avoid the crowds. "If you travel on Thanksgiving Day, you might save up to 34% on your ticket," he noted. That’s quite the incentive.
Not only do the days you choose to fly matter, but your destination can also play a huge role. Kelly highlighted some fantastic last-minute deals for those who are quick to act. For example, if you're headed to the Caribbean, flights to the Cayman Islands can start at $330 from New York, making it both desirable and affordable. And if you're feeling adventurous, how about Tokyo? With flights from Charlotte starting at $776 round-trip on Delta, it’s not just about continents; it’s about experiences.
For those wanting to remain on U.S. soil, there are several enticing options, too. JetBlue and Southwest have flights from Denver to Boston for under $200—a figure that's nearly 57% cheaper than this time last year. Even flights to Miami from New York are surprisingly low, currently hovering around $150 on United Airlines. It turns out, you don’t have to break the bank to travel during the holidays.
Now, let’s not forget about the tech side of things. For the savvy traveler, utilizing platforms like Google Flights can be incredibly beneficial. Kelly explains, "You have to learn how to hunt for good deals," and Google Flights can help with just this. It aggregates prices from various airlines, helping you track down the best rates. The tool even incorporates Southwest Airlines, which hasn't always been the case. Plus, Kelly suggests using the Google Flights Explore Map; you can type New York to the Caribbean, and it’ll show you all the islands with the best deals. Easy as pie!
Speaking of pie, as we think of Thanksgiving, the autumn grocery runs begin. Planning your festive meals? Grocers across the country are gearing up for what is predicted to be busy shopping days leading up to the holiday. And as for Christmas? According to Hopper, the best time to book flights is during the last two weeks of October. Travelers are advised to act quickly because fares tend to rise dramatically come late November, by about 32% as the holidays ramp up. Kelly notes, "A lot of times airlines will still open up seats last minute. Even the week of, just don't assume it’s going to be ridiculously expensive."
Financially-savvy travelers will also want to take advantage of any accumulated airline points. Kelly highlights the need for travelers to get creative, stating, "There's lots of different ways to use points; I use points.me, which tells you how to get the most value out of credit card rewards." Visa and Mastercard points can be especially powerful if used wisely.
Lastly, let’s put this all together for Christmas travel. Like many before it, December will be highlighted by increased travel and soaring airfare. According to experts, early booking continues to be the game, and appropriately planned trips will lead to less stressful experiences at the airport. Optimizing days of travel helps dodge the frenzy and can save countless dollars, putting you one step closer to making the holidays enjoyable.
While there will always be challenges associated with holiday travel, with the right tips and tools, it’s possible to make the most of it without losing your sanity or your wallet. The busy travel season may be approaching, but with some careful planning, roadmaps for success are well within reach this Thanksgiving and Christmas.
