Holiday cheer is in the air and many are planning to reunite with loved ones. But the high cost of travel can dampen even the brightest holiday spirit.
“The biggest mistake people make on vacation travel is booking too late,” said travel expert Scott Keyes.
To get the best prices, experts recommend booking domestic flights three to six months in advance and international flights four to 10 months in advance.
But if you missed this window, travel experts suggest being flexible about your destination.
Destinations like sunny San Diego, the beautiful beaches of Puerto Rico, or even a trip to Paris can still be affordable with some flexibility.
And for those hitting the road, a little planning can mean big savings.
Many navigation apps have the option to “avoid tolls”.
Also be sure to check your car. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, your spark plugs are in good condition, and your air filters are clean. Triple A says all this will stretch a tank of gas.
If you want to book a hotel for the night, consider staying just outside of major cities. Looking for options with free parking and Wi-Fi helps keep costs down.
“Our Tour TTC brand is already running a Black Friday sale with special offers every day,” said AAA Vice President of Travel Stacey Barber.
Triple A members get early access to holiday deals and exclusive discounts that stack with Black Friday deals.
“And AAA, in many cases, gives you additional membership rewards on top of what's out there in the market,” Barber said. “These offers can be combined.”
