Holiday Travel Tips: How to Optimize Your 2023 Travel Plans
Holiday travel can be a stressful endeavor, with airport crowds, premium prices, and the pursuit of “holiday magic” taking a toll. However, there are ways to cut down on expenses and minimize stress with a little planning and budget savvy. We’ve gathered expert advice to help you tackle your 2023 holiday travel like a pro.
Book Early to Save
According to Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer, limited airplane seats exist for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel, and they fill up quickly. To avoid paying a premium or not finding a desirable flight, it’s best to book as soon as possible. Dengler recommends booking holiday flights by the end of September for the best deals. For Thanksgiving, Halloween is the cutoff date for reasonable prices, while for Christmas, it’s best to book before Thanksgiving, with the best deals available between now and Halloween.
Katy Nastro, a travel expert from Going, emphasizes the importance of booking in the “Goldilocks” window, far enough in advance but not too far. Waiting until the last minute is not a good idea, as prices may skyrocket. Don’t hope for magically decreasing prices; act now before flights become extremely expensive.
When it comes to popular destinations, Laura Motta, the digital editorial director at Lonely Planet, advises booking accommodations, tours, rental cars, and other important arrangements as soon as possible. Deals will be hard to come by, especially if you plan to travel during the holiday dates themselves. Consider traveling before or after the peak season to find better deals.
Monitor Prices and Be Flexible
Even after you’ve made your bookings, keep an eye out for better deals or price changes. Laura Lindsay, a travel trends expert at Skyscanner, suggests tracking prices to get a great deal. Timing is everything, so use price alerts or other tools to stay up to date on changing costs for your saved routes.
Elie Michaels, the vice president of operations at Advantage Rent-A-Car, recommends continuously browsing travel websites leading up to the holiday period, as prices can change. Companies can run out of cars or escalate prices as the winter holidays approach, but occasionally, you may find better deals as demands shift.
Avoid Peak Travel Days
The busiest travel days of the year are typically around Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to the Transportation Security Administration. To minimize stress, avoid flying on the busiest days. For Thanksgiving, Wednesday and Sunday are expected to be the worst travel days. Try to fly as far in advance of Thanksgiving as possible. Similarly, for Christmas, expect the busiest travel days to be from December 21-23 and December 26-27. Plan to fly a few days before or after these dates if your schedule allows.
Flying midweek is always better than flying out on a Friday, advises Jessica van Dop DeJesus, founder and editor at The Dining Traveler. Consider traveling a few days before school lets out in your area to avoid the rush.
Give Yourself Extra Time
With the potential for delays, it’s essential to give yourself extra time when traveling during the holiday season. Gabby Beckford, a travel expert and founder of Packs Light, advises flying a day earlier than you need to arrive or choosing the first flight out. Building in extra room for last-minute changes can be a lifesaver. Aim for flights at 8 a.m. or earlier if possible, as early morning flights tend to experience fewer delays and cancellations.
On your actual travel day, expect airports to be more crowded and stress levels to be heightened. Plan and prepare for delays, traffic, and longer queues. Melissa DaSilva, president of Trafalgar, North America, suggests giving yourself buffer time to account for these potential delays.
Avoid Checking a Bag if Possible
Baggage drop lines are going to be very long with a record number of travelers expected during the 2023 holiday season. Furthermore, airlines lost and misplaced a lot of bags last year. To avoid baggage delays and potential loss or damage, Phil Dengler recommends not checking a bag if possible. Travel lighter via carry-on and consider shipping gifts directly to your destination to save time and stress.
Think Outside the Box
Flexibility can pay off when making travel plans, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box. According to Jessica Lau, planning six to nine months in advance can ensure availability for activities, tours, and accommodations in popular destinations. However, if you’re visiting off-the-beaten-path places, you might find last-minute getaway deals and discounts.
Thanksgiving is also a great time to travel internationally since many countries do not celebrate the holiday. This means you’ll be traveling during a non-holiday period, and great flight deals are available. Consider exploring hotspots like Italy and France.
Lastly, Laura Lindsay suggests using Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search function to discover new and low-cost destinations. Comparing dates, providers, departure airports, and destinations will help you find the best deal for your needs.
Follow these tips and tricks to optimize your 2023 holiday travel plans, minimize stress, and enjoy a memorable vacation without breaking the bank!
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