Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away—that means now is the ideal time to figure out your travel plans.
Hayley Berg of Hopper informed 12 News that this upcoming holiday season is anticipated to be particularly busy. That translates to packed airports, long lines, and potentially higher prices for flights and accommodations. But don’t let that stress you out.
With some careful planning, you can navigate the holiday rush smoothly. Here, we’ll share some tips to ensure your holiday travel is smooth sailing.
#1 Book Flights Early
Start looking for flights as soon as you decide on your travel dates.
Traveling around the Christmas and New Year holidays costs more than other times of the year, says Investopedia.
Consumer demand is significantly high during the holiday season, which is why airlines tend to raise prices. If you wait until the last minute to buy your tickets, you’ll pay more—sometimes, a lot.
The average round trip during Christmas, for instance, will cost you about $417, says Berg from Hopper. That is 7% up from 2023. That is why he advises travelers to book their flights now.
You will lock in a better price and get more options, like choosing your ideal seat or departure time if you book ahead. Ideally, you should book your flight 42 days in advance. That is considered the perfect time to hunt for bargains.
Sites like Google Flights and Hopper are great places to start your search. Set up price alerts, so you receive notifications when fares drop. Then, when the time is right, and fares are reasonable, you can hit the “Book” button.
#2 Reserve Your Rental Car Ahead of Time
Car rental prices are volatile. But the prices are significantly higher during the holiday season due to the increase in the demand for rental cars.
Don’t wait until the eleventh hour to reserve a rental car. Rental car companies run out of vehicles quickly, and the last thing you want is to arrive and find out they’re all booked up.
Reserve your rental car well in advance—one to three months. That will help you secure the vehicle of your choice at a reasonable price.
Booking early also means better rates. Like flights, rental car prices tend to rise as demand increases. So, locking in a deal ahead of time can save you some cash. This is more so important if you’re traveling to Pensacola, FL, Lihue, HI, or Kona, HI. Renting a car is the most expensive in these three cities.
As a piece of advice, book a rental car with a company that offers free cancellations or changes. That way, you’ll have flexibility if your plans shift.
#3 Rent a Vacation House
Hotel prices climb high during the festive season. That makes them an expensive option for holiday accommodations.
Rent a vacation home instead. They are often cheaper than hotels. Instead of cramming into small hotel rooms, you get a homey space to spread out, relax, and truly enjoy your holiday.
Vacation rentals have a full kitchen, too. So, you can whip up festive feasts together, saving money on dining out.
Maine ranks at the top when it comes to the largest number of vacation homes in the country. About 19% of all dwellings in the Pine Tree State are vacation homes. Vermont and New Hampshire finish off the top 3, with 17% and 12% of homes, respectively.
Even Tennessee, a medium-sized state, has a fair share of vacation homes. Recent research shows that Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg boast over 17,000 short-term rentals.
Data from AirDNA confirms that Nashville has 6,123 active short-term rental listings. However, this excludes homes that account for more than 75% of the Airbnb pool. So, if you’re looking for vacation rentals in Nashville, TN, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Try looking for vacation rentals in Jefferson Street, West End, The Gulch, and Downtown. Music City Loft considers these the best places to stay in the city.
#4 Book Popular Restaurants Well in Advance
Popular restaurants fill up fast during the holiday season. If you’ve got your heart set on dining at a particular spot—whether it’s a fancy Christmas Eve dinner or a New Year’s brunch— book your reservation well in advance.
Almost all restaurants allow people to make reservations online nowadays. So, check availability as soon as you know your travel dates. That way, you’ll get a table and won’t have to stress about long wait times or being turned away at the door.
Holiday travel can be a whirlwind of chaos. But you can avoid yourself from being overwhelmed by planning ahead.
Booking things early—whether it’s flights, rental cars, or even dinner reservations— can save you both time and money.
Also, make sure to pack smart. Consider the weather at your destination and pack layers. But leave a little room for holiday goodies you might pick up along the way.
In the end, the holidays are all about making memories with loved ones. So, focus on the experience rather than the bumps along the way.
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