Now’s the time to plan your Christmas travel. Here’s the best way to do it
If you’re planning on traveling for Christmas, now’s the best time to book your flights, according to a report from Google Flights.
According to the report, average airfare prices this year are lowest approximately 71 days in advance. This differs from the 2022 report, which advised consumers to purchase tickets about 22 days before departure.
This is a good year for travel. According to The Washington Post, prices for airfare, hotels and car rentals have all gone down, making it an ideal year to go out of town.
How to find cheap holiday flights
Google Flights is an incredibly helpful travel tool. Travelers can use it to book flights, compare prices and track prices over time. Google also launched a pilot program for price guarantees, which will alert travelers if a ticket they have purchased has lowered in price and will refund the difference.
Google Flights will allow you to compare the prices of different airlines and see how much similar tickets have cost in the past. This tool can help you estimate the best day to purchase airfare, as ticket prices can fluctuate considerably.
Let’s say you’re planning on leaving town the Friday before Christmas, Dec. 22. Per Google’s instructions, the best day to book flights should be Thursday, Oct. 12.
If you’re planning on traveling internationally, it’s best to book flights as soon as possible. Average prices to fly to Europe were lowest 72 or more days in advance, according to Google’s report.
Google Flights isn’t the only website that can help you find cheap airfare. Companies like Cheapflights, Pomelo Travel, Going and Flights from Home offer newsletters that send out alerts for flash deals for affordable flights.
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Other ways to save money during the holidays
It’s not just travel that you should start preparing for — everything Christmas-related is cheaper if you plan ahead instead of waiting until the holiday season hits. Here are some other tips to help prepare you for this Christmas season.
Keep an eye out for sales events and discounts
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to buy discounted items, but they aren’t the only opportunities to do so.
Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days and Walmart’s Holiday Kickoff savings events, both of which occur in early October, are opportune times to buy Christmas presents. Several other chains, including Target and Macy’s, also offer early holiday deals around this time of year.
Waiting until the last minute could also get you some serious savings. According to Time, retailers often discount toys in the two weeks leading up to Christmas so they avoid having extra stock after the holidays.
Consider giving homemade gifts or other meaningful, but inexpensive, options
Some of the best gifts I’ve ever received were either inexpensive or free but meant the world to me.
Use your talents to create something personalized for your loved ones, like a knitted scarf or a hand-carved ornament. If creativity isn’t your forte, offer to take someone out on a special outing or spend time together doing something you both enjoy.
Use what you have
Stores know how to lure you in with exciting displays and enticing treats. While it’s tempting to buy all-new decor, try to avoid wasteful spending. The old adage to “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” really comes in handy around the holidays.
If you do want to refresh your decor, consider using inexpensive materials to make homemade crafts. DIYs like this dried citrus garland are easy and fun was to make your space feel extra cozy without breaking the bank.
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Although it’s a little early to start celebrating the holidays, it’s never too early to begin preparing for them. Hopefully these tips help you and yours enjoy a wonderful holiday season.
