It’s nice to be able to just pick up and go on a vacation at any time, unfortunately for most people though, this is not an option. There’s work, school, sports, the list goes on and on. For many it’s more likely that you’ll end up having to book your travel during a peak travel time – holidays, summer and school vacation. Unfortunately, the airlines and hotels know these are the most desired times to travel and as a result prices can more than double. However, there are some tips and tricks to keep these costs down.
Book Early
Last minute deals can be great but are often nonexistent during peak season. Flights are normally released about 13 months out so keep an eye on flights and book when they are low. You can even set up an alert through a site like google flights to let you know when prices have dropped. Top hotel choices and room categories also sell out quickly for prime travel times so, book early to have the most options and get what you really want.
Be Flexible with Dates
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap holiday airfare. Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare, maybe even over a thousand if you’re a larger family. If you don’t mind slightly altering your family’s plan, consider booking travel the Wednesday before school break or directly on Thanksgiving and Christmas. You’ll be rewarded with cheaper prices and less crowds at the airport. The further away you can get from that top travel date the more money you’ll save. When we travel around school vacations we often leave the Wednesday before. We’re a family of five so when you’re saving a couple hundred dollars in air for each person it adds up quickly!
Plan Ahead
Everywhere is busier during peak travel times so be sure to book excursions, transfers, airport parking, etc in advance. Booking early will give you a chance to shop around to find the best deals and you’ll be sure to get what you want and need.
Shop Around
Don’t assume the first price you find is the only price. Shop around or better yet work with a travel agent who will do it for you! As an agent, I work with multiple vendors and always compare prices and options among them to get my clients the best deal. Many companies, like my own, also offer a price guarantee so if you find a better deal than your travel agent they can often match it.
Be Creative with Destinations
If you want to go to Aspen over Christmas or Florida for Spring Break, be aware that the rest of the country will be there with you! To save money and avoid massive crowds, be creative with your destination. Consider picking somewhere that is in the off-season for cheaper flights and hotels as well as fewer crowds. For example, shoulder season in England is April through early June and might be a great Spring Break destination as prices will be lower than they are during the peak season in summer. Maybe also look at destinations that are similar to what you want but less popular. For example, want a ski trip for Christmas? The Green Mountain ski resorts in Vermont will be less crowded and easier to access than the popular Colorado resorts, but they’re just as beautiful. In the summer, consider lesser known national parks over popular parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite. Want to stick to your original planned destination, consider alternate locations near your destination. Staying in the top tourist area or city is often more expensive than being a little further away. Prices coming in high for New York city? maybe check Jersey City just across the river and only a quick subway ride away. You’re likely to find lower prices and more availability without compromising too much distance.
Pick a Few Destinations
If you’re planning to fly or have very little flexibility with your travel dates, try picking a few destinations to compare. Then, decide which one will be the most affordable based on the cost of flights and hotel. If you have your heart set on one destination and have little flexibility in your travel dates, you’ll unfortunately be stuck with market prices. But if you have the flexibility to come up with a few trip ideas that everyone will love, you can see which one ends up being the most affordable for the dates you can travel.
Consider Different Airports
Looking at different airports can save you time and money. Live near a smaller airport with not a lot of options? Driving a bit further can mean more flight options and an increased opportunity to find direct flights. However, larger airports can be brutal during peak travel times, but flying out of a smaller airport isn’t nearly as bad. Sometimes flights in and out of these smaller airports aren’t always cheaper, but it’s worth a try. Even if you don’t save a ton of money, the amount of time you’ll save might be worth it!
Consider Flights with a Layover
Yes, who doesn’t love to jump on one plane and arrive at your destination? But, is it really worth paying double the price? Direct flights can definitely save time and some hassle but you’re going to pay for it, especially during peak times! As much as I love to fly direct, we rarely do and oftentimes actually arrive at our destination earlier than the nonstop option would have gotten us there. I personally would rather save the money to use for an excursion and just wake up a few hours earlier.
Opt for Ground Transportation
If you’re heading out of the country, flying is likely your only option. But if you’re staying in the states, consider traveling by car, bus or train as these options will often be more affordable than plane tickets. An 8 to 10 hour train trip might seem like a wasted day, but if you consider how long the lines will be at the airport, it’s really not that bad. Plan a scenic route so that you can catch some beautiful sights on your travel day and it might be worth the savings!
Pay Attention to Amenities/Resort Fees
With inflated accommodation pricing you need to be sure you’re not paying for anything you’re not going to use. For example, there’s no reason to pay extra for a hotel that markets a fancy spa if you have no plans to use it! Many properties also charge a daily resort fee. These can be minimal at a dollar or two a day but once it jumps higher fees can really add up. Know what will be due when you check out before you book and maybe opt for a property without extra fees.
Find Accommodations with a Kitchen
If you’re not booking an all inclusive, preparing meals on your own can be a huge way to save some cash. Eating out three meals a day can add up really quickly, especially if you have kids. Plus, reservations aren’t always easy to get during peak travel times! You may still want to splurge on dinners out or a special restaurant or two during your trip, but if you can at least make breakfasts and pack a few lunches from your kitchen, you’ll save a ton of money over the course of your vacation.
Play the Points Game
If you can only travel during school holidays, spend the rest of the year playing the points game to help offset the cost of peak travel expenses. Get a credit card that offers travel points and use that card all year to collect as many points as possible. There are two types of travel points cards. One way to go is to get a card for a specific brand. If you love flying Delta or staying at Marriott properties, open a card through that brand and earn points with that specific company. The other option gives you a bit more flexibility. A general travel card allows you to spend your points on a wide variety of travel brands. If you make most of your purchases throughout the year with a travel card, you should save up a decent amount of points to put towards your flights or hotel stays so you’re paying less out of pocket.
In conclusion, unfortunately, regardless of what tips or tricks you try, you are going to spend more to travel during peak times, it’s just the way it is. Saving whatever you can and at least making sure you get everything you want out of your vacation is definitely a bonus though. More importantly, you can’t put a value on time away! Everybody deserves a break from everyday life to destress, see somewhere new and make memories. Travel definitely isn’t cheap, especially as a family of five, but all the good things that it provides are priceless. Things like our daughter’s first view of the Eiffel tower or our son’s excitement when he got to flip off cliffs at Rick’s Café, our children’s enjoyment playing with monkeys and holding a sloth in Honduras and all the giggles they share will never be forgotten. For now, we hope to keep filling their passports with stamps and build as many memories as we can.
Take vacations, go as many places as you can. You can always make money, you can’t always make memories.
