When to Find the Biggest Savings for Travel
The end of the year can often be filled with holiday chaos. November, December, and January are stuffed with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Years. It’s easy to lose sight of all the joy the holiday season can bring. I know I’m guilty of not feeling the holiday spirit.
With to-do lists piling up, it often doesn’t occur to people to take a break around this time of year. So instead of falling victim to the stress of the holidays, have you ever considered a non-Holiday holiday?
In the travel industry, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as the week after New Year’s, are considered “dead weeks,” with a big drop in demand. This means they are great weeks to travel!
Lower Demand = Better Deals
When it comes to travel, a drop in demand means that you can usually find a fantastic deal on a trip. If you have some flexibility in your holiday plans — or better yet, if you have adventurous family members who would love a different way to spend this time together — then put me on the hunt for some fabulous last-minute bargains and pack your bags.
Go Off-Peak for Bigger Savings
Instead of hosting a large family celebration this year, opt for a holiday vacation instead! The days right before and right after major holidays tend to be the busiest (and most expensive), so those off-peak dates are golden. While most people are braving the shopping crowds in mid-December, you can be forming real connections with your family in a nice, warm location.
Off-Peak Savings Also Apply to Destinations
While there are certain times of year that are better to travel, there are also destinations where you can find better deals during the holidays. Consider this advice from Tim Leffel, author of The World’s Cheapest Destinations:
Cities that regularly host conventions can be good places to find last-minute hotel deals over the holidays. Sometimes you can find a last-minute deal in cities like Orlando or Las Vegas just because there are so many hotels to fill and no conventions going on (at this time of year).
And for beachside lounging, don’t limit yourself to Florida. Consider sandy (and cheaper) spots in other warm destinations along the Georgia and Texas coastlines, including towns like Tybee Island near Savannah and Galveston. Many hotel rooms in Galveston sell at or below $100 per night in November and December.
Consider a Vacation Rental
For those winter ski trips, resort prices can be as steep as the slopes. If you’re willing to drive a few extra minutes, you can often rent a larger space for much cheaper. There are hot deals available on luxury apartments, homes, condos, and cottages. These also come with other advantages like more space for larger families or groups, a private space away from other guests and no noisy hotel patrons to keep you up.
Pre- or Post-Holiday Escapes to europe
TravelChannel.com author Valerie Connors says, “During the winter, roundtrip flights to Europe can be as much as 20% cheaper than during summer months, when hordes of travelers descend on popular European cities like Paris, London and Rome. In winter these same cities can be blissfully quiet, with short or no lines to enter major attractions like the Louvre or St. Peter's Basilica.”
Plus, many European destinations are famous for their gorgeous Christmas markets, which usually start in early December and run through the New Year. If you take advantage of early travel, you could enjoy all the Holiday vibes with none of the usual touristy crowds. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?
Don’t be afraid of traveling during the Holiday season. When you know where the deals are, the holidays can be better than ever!
Working with a Travel Professional is one of the best ways to get the most value on your dream vacation! I would love to help you plan your perfect getaway this Holiday season. Click this link to schedule a chat with me today.
Happy Travels!
