How Can You Travel Home for the Holidays on a Budget?

The holiday season is a time for festivities and togetherness. Spending time with family and friends who live far away is a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate.

However, going home for the holidays during one of the busiest travel seasons can strain your budget. Therefore, planning is needed to reduce your travel expenses so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.

The following tips can help you travel home for the holidays on a budget.

Set a Flight Tracker

If you plan to fly home during the holidays, a flight price tracker can help you get a good deal on airfare. For instance, Google Flights combines your route and itinerary with historical flight data to find the least expensive flights and recommend when to book. Also, price alert tools such as Hopper and Skyscanner let you set up alerts for the best time to book a flight if you know your destination.

Have Flexible Travel Dates

Specific days during the holiday season experience higher demand, increasing flight prices. Changing your travel plans by a day or two can result in significant savings.

Generally, the least expensive days to fly around Thanksgiving are the Monday before the holiday, the Thursday the holiday lands on, and any weekday during the week after. Depending on which day of the week Christmas falls, the least expensive days to travel for Christmas typically are any dates other than December 20-22.

Find Deals on Lodging

Hotels typically raise prices during the holidays due to increased demand. Booking early can result in better deals:

• Browse websites such as Expedia and Booking to determine hotel prices, then book directly through the hotel. Call the front desk and ask for the cheapest nonrefundable rate, which could secure a lower rate you won’t find online.

• Look for business hotels or hotels near convention centers. They typically are less busy during the holidays and drop their prices.

• Consider using Airbnb or VRBO if you are traveling in a big group. Sharing the cost of renting a home is usually less than paying for hotel rooms, and you have more space to move around. Buying food at a local grocery store and cooking your meals rather than dining out increases your savings.

Use a Credit Card with Travel Perks

If you are considering getting a new credit card, your holiday-related spending might help you meet the threshold to earn bonus rewards. For instance, many credit cards offer additional points, statement credit, or reimbursements for programs that allow you to move through airport security faster when you book travel. You might also accumulate enough points throughout the year to receive a discounted flight or free hotel stay.

If you’re traveling by car during the holidays, consider signing up for a fuel rewards program through your favorite gas station chain. You could save up to a dollar per gallon.

Pack Snacks and Water

Bring snacks and reusable water bottles as you travel. Avoid overpaying at an airport, gas station, or convenience store.

Create a Plan to Repay Debt

Set aside funds to cover holiday-related credit card balances on time. Save money by avoiding late fees and interest.

*This information is for educational purposes only.