How to Travel During the Holidays While Saving Money and Managing the Chaos

‘Tis the season for holiday travel, which often means crowded airports, pricey flights, congested roads, and high gas prices. While the challenges of holiday travel are usually worth it once you reach your destination, the journey can be both costly and stressful.

As you might expect, holiday travel and high expenses usually go together, but this year is proving to be even more expensive than usual. Fortunately, with some planning and a few smart strategies, you can navigate through the costs and chaos. Let’s dive in!

Get ready for some sticker shock: Thanksgiving airfare is up 25% from last year, and Christmas airfare has skyrocketed by 55%, according to CBS News. Additionally, prices are increasing by about 4% per week, so it’s wise to book as soon as possible.

To save money, consider flying before the rush or on the holiday itself. The Seattle Times reports that “if you fly the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving or a few days before Christmas, your ticket price rises by as much as $300.” Booking early and choosing less busy travel days can help you avoid these higher costs.

Checking bags can be costly. According to The Points Guy, many airlines charge “$30 for the first checked bag, $40 for the second, and $150 for the third.” These fees can add up quickly if you’re checking gifts. Instead, consider shipping presents directly to your recipients.

Be sure to notify them when to expect the packages to avoid any accidental openings. Plus, you’ll save time by not having to check and collect your bags at the airport — and you’ll sidestep the hassle of lost or delayed luggage.

If you’re heading home for the holidays, your destination is set in stone. However, those traveling purely for vacation can save money by avoiding popular cities. According to The Active Times, experienced travelers steer clear of these hotspots during the holidays:

  • Honolulu, Hawaii
  • New York City, New York
  • Park City, Utah
  • Cancun, Mexico
  • Aspen, Colorado

High demand in these locations not only drives up prices but also leads to large crowds. To save money and avoid throngs of tourists, consider alternative destinations. For example, choose Puerto Rico over Hawaii or Philadelphia instead of New York City. Venturing off the beaten path can help you find great deals and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Long security lines can really dampen your holiday spirit. Fortunately, there’s a solution worth considering: TSA PreCheck. According to the TSA, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes in November 2021.

Members enjoy time-saving perks such as shorter lines and not having to remove shoes, laptops, or liquid toiletries. The membership lasts for five years and costs $85 to apply. Additionally, some credit cards cover the fee as a benefit, so it’s worth checking if yours does!

While gas prices fell steadily for over three months, CNN reports that prices are starting to climb again. Fortunately, gas apps can help mitigate the impact of rising costs. Apps like Gas Guru and MapQuest allow drivers to compare prices at nearby gas stations.

Other apps, such as GasBuddy and UpSide, offer users the chance to save up to 25 cents per gallon on fuel. Additionally, many gas station chains have rewards programs that can provide further savings. Be sure to explore your options before hitting the road for the holidays.

If your journey “over the river and through the woods” involves toll roads, a prepaid toll pass might save you some hassle. According to Border West Expressway, the U.S. has over 5,000 miles of toll roads, making it common for road trips to include a toll road, bridge, or tunnel.

Prepaid toll programs can help you avoid long lines to pay toll collectors and eliminate the need for exact change. In some states, license plates are scanned, and bills are sent to those without prepaid passes. However, this often incurs additional fees.

Much like airfare, hotel prices have risen this year. However, you can still save by employing a few strategies. NerdWallet suggests booking directly with the hotel, as this can often result in a better deal since the hotel avoids paying a commission to a travel site.

Additionally, explore available discount programs. Many hotels offer discounts for AAA and AARP members. While non-refundable prepaid rates carry some risk, they can “shave a nice chunk off the cost of a hotel stay.” So, there are ways to find deals despite the price increases.

In addition to booking early and avoiding popular travel days, thrifty travelers can find further savings on flights. For example, taking an overnight flight can be a cost-effective way to save on airfare and avoid crowded security lines.

Another money-saving strategy is to book indirect flights. According to CNBC, you can save an average of 20% by choosing a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop option. While layovers may extend your travel time, the savings can be substantial.

Whether you’re driving or flying this holiday season, packing snacks is a smart move. On the road, it saves you time by reducing the need for food stops. At the airport, it saves you money since food and drinks are notoriously overpriced.

The TSA allows solid food in carry-on luggage, and while you can’t bring a filled water bottle through security, you can bring an empty one. Insider reports that bottled water can be marked up by 200% at some airports, so the savings are substantial.

With the holiday travel season approaching, prices are anticipated to soar higher than usual. However, there’s a silver lining: savvy travelers have several strategies at their disposal to secure savings on flights, accommodations, and more.

While it might require some effort, flexibility, and ingenuity, you don’t have to empty your pockets to reach your holiday destination or embark on an adventure. By making strategic decisions, you can allocate funds for other holiday expenses, such as gifts.