Whether you’re traveling this winter to see family – or to get away from them – now is the time to start planning that trip. (It’s also not too late to book Thanksgiving trips, but some of the best deals may have already passed.)
Expedia recently released its 2023 Travel Hacks report, and Priceline also came out with tips for booking your winter getaway.
Read on for more details, but the main things to know are that even though prices are rising this winter, flexibility in your travel dates can help save you money, and that booking at least a month in advance for domestic flights is your best bet for the most good offers
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Here’s what other online booking sites have found about the best strategies for planning your winter getaway.
When to buy your plane tickets
Advice on the best day or time to book flights tends to be controversial among industry observers. Airline pricing is dynamic and fares can change at almost any time. Travelers can set prices on many booking platforms and Google Flights. In general, it’s a good idea to book if the numbers seem like a good deal when you check.
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That said, according to Expedia, booking at least one month before a domestic flight or six months before an international flight can save travelers an average of 10% on the price of their ticket.
The booking platform also says that Sunday is the best day of the week to buy your flight ticket. According to Expedia data, travelers who buy their tickets on Sunday save 5% on domestic flights and as much as 15% on international flights on average compared to typical Friday prices.
Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, an add-on that will give you money back if the ticket price drops after you book. Many airlines have also instituted more flexible booking policies in recent years, meaning travelers who book directly with their airline may be able to cancel and rebook their ticket if the price drops, keeping the difference as a credit for future travel.
For domestic travel, data from Google Flights suggests that the lowest prices tend to be between three weeks and three months before your departure. The lowest prices average 44 days, or about 1½ months, in advance.
International travel will require a little more time and planning. For trips from the US to Europe, Google Flights suggests erring on the early side – 129 days, or nearly five months, in advance will provide the best deals. Try not to book less than 50 days before your trip.
What are the best times to fly?
Especially on busy travel days around the holidays, it’s a good idea to fly early in the day. Read also : What to do if your fight is cancelled, according to a Travel Expert.
According to Expedia, flights that depart after 3 p.m. are 50% more likely to be canceled than those who leave earlier.
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Leaving on a Wednesday can also save you money, Expedia’s survey shows. According to the data, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays tend to be the most popular (and therefore, most expensive) days to fly, but Wednesday departures are on average 15% cheaper for domestic flights.
How being flexible can help
According to Priceline, flexibility is key when it comes to finding the best deals on travel this winter. Read also : Best Books to Take You to Lisbon, Portugal.
“Lower-cost flights and discounts can be found by delaying your return (eg, by 2-5 days before or after each vacation),” a Priceline statement said. “Friday, December 23, will be the busiest day for flights and rental cars, but travelers can avoid the crowded airports, traffic… and save by extending their vacation trips.”
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If your travel schedule isn’t dictated by school breaks or visiting family for a specific event, Priceline also says that considering less popular weeks can help you keep your costs down. According to the company’s data, the first five days in December will be the cheapest travel days in the coming months.
What else to know about traveling this winter
While airfares and hotel prices are on the rise this winter, rental car rates are flat for the year, according to Priceline — though they’re still more expensive than before the pandemic.
Priceline data also shows that Las Vegas is the cheapest domestic destination to visit this winter.
Contributing: Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY
