What to anticipate for holiday travel in 2023.

Still putting off your holiday travel plans until November? It’s time to rethink that approach. As our Chief Economist, Jake Bouvrie, states, “The old rule of booking 60 days ahead isn't always accurate – the ideal booking time varies by route. It depends on your departure and destination, and our data can guide you.” Don’t waste your holiday budget on expensive tickets… unless you view your visit as the ultimate gift. Here are five tips for saving on holiday travel this year.

Good news: Airfare, hotel, and rental car prices in the US are down from last year’s holiday season*. The downside? Prepare for family interrogations about your life choices. At least you can treat yourself to a nice bottle of wine?

Booking at the right time doesn’t have to be complicated. For Thanksgiving travel, our data suggests you can find good deals if you book about 56 days in advance**. Set a reminder for the end of September. For Christmas or New Year’s trips, you’ll need more precise guidance. Check out our revamped Best Time to Travel tool – it calculates the cheapest travel days and when to book based on your starting point and holiday destination.

Expect congestion beyond just the highways. Airports like LAX, SFO, BOS, ORD, JFK, and DEN are projected to be among the busiest for Thanksgiving and Christmas***. We recommend adding an extra hour or two to your usual airport arrival time. Alternatively, consider departing from a different hub to avoid the chaos. Check the option for “add nearby airports” when searching for flights to explore more options.

The timing of your departure can significantly affect your trip. If possible, aim to leave early for Thanksgiving, as November 20th is the most affordable day to fly domestically (three days before the holiday). For Christmas travel, consider flying closer to the 24th, as Christmas Eve is the cheapest day for flights within the US.

After enjoying the festive chill of Christmas, escape to a warmer destination for New Year’s Eve. Our data shows that popular New Year’s spots include Cancún, Orlando, San Juan, and Honolulu***. These destinations average around 80 degrees in December, providing a nice warm-up before returning to everyday life.

Still need to discuss holiday plans with your family? This is your cue to initiate that conversation. In the meantime, take advantage of our Best Time To Travel: Holiday Edition and set up Price Alerts to stay informed about the best booking times this season.

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