Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year to travel, but there are ways to keep costs down. The key to travelling cheaply at Christmas is flexibility. If you can be flexible with your dates and destinations, you can save a lot of money. For example, flying on Christmas Day itself can save you upwards of 25% on the overall ticket cost.
If you're travelling within the US, travelling by bus is usually the cheapest option, although it's not as time-efficient as flying. Travelling by train is a little more expensive but can offer beautiful scenery. If you're driving, you can cut costs by offering rides to other travellers.
When it comes to accommodation, it's usually cheaper to travel with friends and split the bill. If you're travelling solo, consider booking a hostel or a private room through Airbnb.
The best way to save money on flights is to book early. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day at US airports, so it's best to avoid this date.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time of booking | Book 3–7 months ahead for domestic trips and 4-10 months ahead for international trips. |
Time of travel | Travel during off-peak times, such as early morning, late night, or red-eye flights. |
Type of transportation | Flying is usually the cheapest and quickest option, but traveling by bus or train can also be cost-effective. |
Accommodation | Choose inexpensive options such as hostels, Airbnb, or Couchsurfing. |
Food | Bring your own snacks and drinks instead of buying food at the airport or on the highway. |
Alerts | Sign up for cheap flight alerts or use apps to monitor flight prices. |
What You'll Learn
Book in advance
Booking your travel plans in advance is one of the most effective ways to save money on your Christmas trip. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find cheaper tickets, as prices tend to increase as the travel date approaches.
Most airlines start selling tickets around 12 months before the departure date, so it is advisable to book your Christmas travel as early as possible, ideally 3-7 months in advance for domestic trips and 4-10 months in advance for international travel. This will increase your chances of finding cheaper seats, as you will be booking before the high demand period.
However, it is important to note that booking too early may cause you to miss out on future price drops. Therefore, aim for the "Goldilocks Window" by monitoring prices and booking when they are at their lowest. This period is usually between February and July, and you can expect to find some great deals during this time.
Additionally, consider booking your travel for less popular days, such as travelling on Christmas Day itself, as these tend to be cheaper than the days leading up to the holiday. Being flexible with your travel dates and destinations can also help you find more affordable options.
If you are travelling by plane, booking your tickets one to two months, or even earlier, in advance can help you secure significant savings. For example, you can find a one-way ticket from San Francisco to New York for approximately $150 if you book far enough ahead. In contrast, prices can skyrocket to the thousands during busy holiday seasons for the same route.
Similarly, for train travel, booking in advance can save you money. For instance, a one-way train ticket from San Francisco to New York can range from $232 to $380, depending on the train.
By planning ahead and booking your travel arrangements in advance, you can take advantage of lower prices and increase your chances of finding affordable options for your Christmas trip to a different state.
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Travel by bus
If you're looking to travel to a different state cheaply during Christmas, travelling by bus is a good option. Bus travel is usually the second cheapest option to get from point A to point B, after flying.
There are a number of bus carriers operating across the US and stopping through major cities, so you'll have plenty of options. Greyhound is one of the most well-known bus carriers, but there are other options as well.
Keep in mind that travelling by bus will likely take longer than flying. For example, a one-way bus ticket from San Francisco to New York will cost you around $200, but you could be on the road for days if you're travelling long distances.
To save money on bus travel, consider booking your tickets in advance, as prices tend to increase closer to the departure date. Additionally, if you're travelling with friends, you can split the cost of the bus tickets to make it even cheaper.
If you're looking for a more flexible option, you might want to consider ridesharing. You can offer rides to other travellers and split the cost of gas and other expenses. This can be a great way to save money and meet new people.
So, if you're planning a cross-country trip during Christmas, travelling by bus can be a cheap and convenient option, as long as you're prepared for a potentially longer journey.
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Travel by train
Travelling by train during the Christmas period can be a great way to save money on your journey, especially if you're flexible with your travel dates and times. Here are some tips to help you plan your train travel cheaply:
Book in Advance
Keep an eye on train ticket releases and book your journey as early as possible. Ticket prices tend to increase as the travel date approaches, so booking in advance can often secure you a better rate.
Travel Off-Peak
Opt for off-peak travel, which is usually cheaper than peak hours. These times are often early in the morning or late at night, so you may need to adjust your plans accordingly. Fridays and Sundays are also typically more expensive, so consider travelling on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday.
Look for Deals and Discounts
Many train companies offer deals and discounts, especially during the festive season. Keep an eye out for promotions or consider signing up for their newsletters to stay updated on any special offers. Some deals may be targeted at specific groups, such as students or seniors, so be sure to check if you're eligible for any additional discounts.
Compare Fares
Compare fares from different train companies serving your route. Sometimes, there may be multiple operators serving the same route, and they might offer different pricing. Additionally, look into any railcards or loyalty programs that could save you money if you're eligible.
Break Your Journey
If you're travelling a long distance, breaking your journey into segments can sometimes result in significant savings. Instead of booking a direct ticket to your final destination, try booking tickets for each leg of the journey separately. This can be especially useful if different train companies serve each segment, allowing you to take advantage of potential price differences.
Consider Alternative Routes
If there are multiple routes to your destination, explore the fares for each. Sometimes, a slightly longer route or one with a connection could be cheaper than a direct train. Additionally, certain stations may be more expensive to travel to or from, so consider being flexible with your departure and arrival points if possible.
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Consider accommodation options
Accommodation can be the most expensive part of your trip, but it doesn't have to be. If you're travelling with friends, you could split the bill no matter where you stay. If you're travelling solo, you can consider booking a hostel – even a private room at a hostel could cost less than a hotel room. If you'd like to get an authentic travel experience and stay with a local, you could also consider renting a private room through Airbnb or even Couchsurfing.
If you're looking for a warmer climate, hotel rates in Flagstaff, Arizona, are at their cheapest during the winter. The same goes for Las Vegas, where hotels go all out with their Christmas decorations.
For a festive experience without the high temperatures, Salt Lake City, Utah, is relatively cheap in December, and there are plenty of activities for different types of travellers.
If you're looking to stay in a city, Chicago tends to be cheaper during the winter, and there are plenty of free activities to enjoy, like ice skating.
For a Christmas by the sea, San Diego has some great deals. We found seats from Dallas for $285 round-trip, non-stop, on American, departing on Tuesday, December 19, and returning from San Diego on Tuesday, December 26.
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Fly on Christmas Day
Flying on Christmas Day itself is one of the cheapest days to travel during the holiday season. As most people will already be at their destinations for Christmas, flights on the day tend to be cheaper and less crowded.
Booking in Advance
If you want to fly on Christmas Day, it is best to book your flights in advance. While you may be able to find a last-minute deal, booking early will ensure that you get the best price. The best time to book Christmas flights is during the Goldilocks Window, which is around 3-7 months ahead of a domestic trip and 4-10 months ahead of an international trip.
Domestic vs International Flights
The cheapest day to fly will depend on whether you are taking a domestic or international flight. For domestic flights, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day itself tend to be the cheapest days to fly. For international flights, the Monday through Wednesday of the week before Christmas are usually the least expensive days.
Compare Flight Prices
To find the best deals on Christmas flights, compare prices using flight search engines such as Google Flights, Momondo, and Kayak. These websites allow you to search multiple airports and dates to find the lowest prices.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap flights. If you can be flexible with your travel dates and airports, you can often find better deals. Additionally, consider flying during off-peak times, such as early morning or late-night flights, which often cost less.
Book with Credit Cards that Offer Travel Protection
When booking your Christmas flights, consider using a credit card that offers travel protection. These cards can provide benefits such as trip interruption or cancellation coverage, which can give you peace of mind when travelling during the busy holiday season.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare is 3-7 months ahead for a domestic trip and 4-10 months ahead for an international trip. Booking too early may cause you to miss out on future price drops, and waiting until the last minute will likely result in price spikes.
Some of the cheapest places to travel for Christmas include:
- Houston to New York City
- Chicago to Orlando
- Boston to Miami
- New York City to Orlando
- Las Vegas to Dallas
- Miami to Los Angeles
- New York City to London
- New York City to Paris
- Atlanta to Cancun
- Miami to Nassau, Bahamas
- Chicago to Grand Cayman
- Houston to Tulum, Mexico
Here are some additional tips to save money when travelling:
- Consider inexpensive accommodation options, such as hostels or Airbnb.
- Share your ride with other travellers and split the cost.
- Bring your own snacks and drinks instead of buying food at the airport or on the plane.
- Compare prices across different modes of transportation and carriers.