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The holiday season is the most expensive time to travel — because everyone else is doing it.
As demand for flights and hotels surges, prices skyrocket. And high inflation isn’t helping, either. In fact, rising costs and inflation have led 77% of holiday travelers to modify their plans this year, according to a recent Bankrate survey.
Luckily, there are ways to deal with the cost. Here’s how travelers can better navigate the holiday travel season.
If you haven’t booked your holiday travel yet, now’s the time. Most travelers book by November, as prices often only go up the closer the holidays get.
Those who book early have an edge in securing the best prices and options. That’s because the holiday travel season gets busy fast, and prices can quickly rise due to increased demand.
This year, airports expect a record-high number of passengers, with no planned increase in flights to accommodate them. That means flights may sell out ahead of time.
To avoid any last-minute surprises, it’s crucial to plan and book your travel well in advance. Whether it’s flights, hotel stays, or activities, booking early will help you secure the best options.
Affordability is on everyone’s mind this year. Around 30% of holiday travelers worry their trip will strain their budget, and 25% feel pressure to spend more than they’re comfortable with, according to the same survey.
Not having enough set aside for the holidays may cause you to put everything on plastic without a plan to pay it off. This explains why 21% of travelers will carry a credit card balance from their holiday trip.
Some families are scaling back their holiday plans. In the same survey, 27% of travelers say they’re driving instead of flying, 23% said they’re taking fewer trips, and 23% are choosing cheaper accommodations or destinations.
Other ways travelers are keeping costs down include traveling a shorter distance (21%), traveling for fewer days (21%), and engaging in cheaper activities (21%). Using credit card rewards is also helping another 17% of travelers save on their holiday plans this year.
If you haven’t booked your holiday travel yet or need to book the rest of your trip, there are still ways to save. Here are some tips to save while booking your trip:
Flexibility is the name of the game during the holiday travel season. After the widespread travel disruptions earlier this year, know your plans may have to change at the drop of a hat. The same survey found that 27% of holiday travelers expressed concerns about potential disruptions to their upcoming travel plans, including airline delays, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Consider opting for travel insurance, which provides financial coverage for certain unforeseen events. Many credit cards already come with travel protections that can cover you if something unexpected happens.
If you’re worried about crowded airports, book flights during off-peak hours or choose less busy airports. Using online check-in and digital boarding passes can save you time in the airport.
Flexibility applies to your accommodations, too. Look for hotels and vacation rentals that offer flexible cancellation policies. This will allow you to adjust your plans without worrying about penalties or fees.
The holiday travel season is bound to be busy and expensive, but you can take the headache out of the equation by booking as soon as possible. By being flexible with travel dates, signing up for a new rewards credit card, and staying flexible, you can plan a holiday trip you won’t forget.
Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.