If you haven’t finalized your holiday travel plans, be aware that prices generally increase as travel dates approach. To manage costs, approximately 50% of people are cutting back on other expenses, while 49% are seeking discounts, according to Hopper’s 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook. Some last-minute travelers are eyeing “Travel Tuesday” on December 3, following Cyber Monday. Interest in Travel Tuesday surged by over 500% from 2021 to 2023, reports McKinsey & Company. Notably, 83% more deals were offered last year compared to Cyber Monday, and 92% more than on Black Friday, per Hopper data. However, experts warn that waiting could be risky if your travel dates and destinations are fixed. Phil Dengler of The Vacationer advises not to delay booking if you find a good deal before Travel Tuesday. Flexibility is key to maximizing discounts on this day.
Travel Tuesday sales often start before the actual day, sometimes extending into the next day, says Dengler. Deals must typically be booked by the end of the day. Ensure you check the fine print, as discounts may apply only to specific routes and dates. Limited availability of airline seats or hotel rooms is a common issue, warns NerdWallet’s Sally French.
While Travel Tuesday might help plan future trips, for specific holiday travel, immediate booking is recommended if you find a suitable deal. Missing out by waiting could mean losing a good offer. Dengler suggests booking early and monitoring prices; many airlines allow a 24-hour cancellation window for full refunds, and some waive change fees for non-basic economy fares. If you’re flexible, waiting for these discount days might be advantageous, as deals tend to improve closer to Black Friday and Travel Tuesday.
Ultimately, consider your travel plans now to be ready for potential Travel Tuesday deals, advises Hopper economist Hayley Berg. This preparation helps in ensuring you won’t miss out on attractive offers when the day arrives.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/18/how-to-optimize-your-holiday-travel-budget-on-travel-tuesday.html
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