‘Book early, save big, and avoid hassles’ should be your travel motto

If you want — or need — to travel this holiday season, start preparing right now because the best time to schedule Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's travel is quickly coming.

As the holiday season approaches, travelers are faced with the challenge of balancing their desire for festive getaways with the reality of increased costs and potential travel disruptions. This year, experts are emphasizing the importance of early planning and booking to secure the best deals and minimize stress. With airlines anticipating high demand and limited capacity, those who wait too long may find themselves paying premium prices or struggling to find suitable options.

"The most important thing is for travelers to continue thinking about planning now and booking in October," said Hayley Berg, head economist at travel site Hopper. "That window of low prices is brief, but it can really pay off."

Travelers who miss that window may have one more option: Travel Tuesday, which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. That day, "pretty much the whole travel industry goes on sale," according to Berg.

When you decide to confirm your bookings, bear in mind that traveling over the holiday season might be complicated, according to Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet.

"The holidays are a difficult time to travel because not only are you dealing with what's likely to be tougher holiday weather, but also working with bigger crowds," Francois said.

Here's how to ensure you're getting good value.

Berg said that holiday travel prices are marginally higher than they were at this time last year.

According to Hopper's 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook report, round-trip tickets for Thanksgiving, which run from November 24 to 28, presently cost around $298 on average. According to the travel website, this is up 10% from the previous year and 3% from pre-pandemic levels.

The surge in prices can be attributed to several factors, including increased fuel costs, staffing shortages in the aviation industry, and pent-up demand for travel following years of pandemic-related restrictions. Airlines are also facing pressure to recoup losses incurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to more aggressive pricing strategies during peak travel periods.

Prices are predicted to plummet by roughly $40 on average until they reach their lowest point in early October, when they will most likely be comparable to 2023 levels, according to the research.

Similarly, airfare for Christmas travels, defined as the week of December 21 to 25, is hovering about $406 per round-trip booking, up 4% from the previous year and 13% from pre-pandemic levels, according to Hopper.

However, costs are anticipated to fall by around $80 from present levels before reaching their lowest point in October, according to the research.

"It's really important for travelers to be thinking about booking their travel now, so that when October rolls around, they're ready," Berg told me.

If you're "super last-minute and want to book something for Christmas or New Year's," according to Berg, "one good day to bookmark" is December 3, or this year's Travel Tuesday.

"You might get lucky and... swing something last minute," added Berg, adding bargains that day can include significant savings on hotel stays, airline, and rental vehicles.

How to Avoid the Travel 'Domino Effect'

During the holiday season, interruptions are more likely to occur since airlines and airports operate more flights than usual, and larger crowds can trigger "domino effect" concerns, according to experts.

For example, if one airplane is 15 minutes late departing from a gate, it can disrupt the flow of air traffic across the airport, said Berg.

However, the "biggest risks" are typically adverse weather and technical problems, she stated.

To mitigate these risks, seasoned travelers are increasingly turning to travel insurance and flexible booking options. Many airlines and hotels have adapted their policies in response to the uncertainties of recent years, offering more generous cancellation and rebooking terms. Travelers are advised to carefully review these policies and consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers not only trip cancellations but also delays, missed connections, and even COVID-19 related issues.

Here are four crucial factors to consider:

Avoid flying on high days. Experts recommend avoiding the Sundays before and after Thanksgiving. According to French, the Sunday after Thanksgiving has traditionally been the busiest day to fly, with the most travelers passing through TSA inspections.

Take the first flight of the day. Berg recommends booking one of the day's first flights to prevent delays and cancellations. After 8 a.m., airline delays or cancellations are twice as likely to effect you, according to her.

Allow for delays and cancellations. If it's crucial that you arrive at your location on time, "bake in extra time to get there," and plan ahead of time, according to French. "If it's really important that you're there for actual Christmas dinner, fly in a few days early," she told me.

Widen your search. Knowing whether alternative airports are nearby can be useful, according to French. If you know of any other airports, you may be able to discover more economical solutions. It may take longer to get to your location, but it can make sense if you need to get there right away, she said.

As the holiday travel season approaches, it's clear that flexibility and foresight will be key to navigating the challenges ahead. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a winter getaway, or simply heading home for the holidays, taking the time to plan carefully and consider all your options can make the difference between a stressful journey and a smooth, enjoyable travel experience. By staying informed about industry trends, being open to alternative travel dates or destinations, and leveraging the expertise of travel professionals, holiday travelers can increase their chances of finding the best deals and avoiding common pitfalls.