Black Friday Travel: Good Or Bad Idea?

is black friday a good day to travel

Black Friday is a day of sales that occurs on the day after Thanksgiving. It is known to be one of the best days of the year to find consumer deals on everything from electronics to clothes and cars. However, it is not a good day to travel, as it falls right after Thanksgiving, which is the busiest travel time in the US. In addition, Black Friday sales have become less chaotic in recent years, with many retailers starting their sales weeks before the actual day. Therefore, if you are planning to travel for Black Friday sales, it might be a better idea to go a few days before or after to avoid the crowds and still find some good deals.

On the other hand, Travel Tuesday, which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a day dedicated exclusively to travel deals, including flights, hotels, cruises, and vacation packages. This day provides a great opportunity for travellers to find discounted prices for their upcoming trips.

Characteristics Values
Date Tuesday after Thanksgiving
Purpose Travel deals and discounts
Deals offered on Flights, hotels, cruises, tours, vacation packages
Examples of deals offered Up to 50% off on stays, discounted flights, buy-one-get-one deals

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Pros and cons of travelling on Black Friday

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November. While it is known for its deals on electronics and clothing, it also offers some travel-related discounts. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of travelling on Black Friday to make an informed decision.

Pros:

  • It can be a good day to find deals on travel, especially if you are flexible with your travel dates and destinations.
  • If you are looking for discounts on travel accessories, such as luggage, headphones, or other travel essentials, Black Friday may be a good day to shop.
  • For those who enjoy the excitement of holiday shopping and don't mind crowds, Black Friday can be a fun day to travel and take advantage of deals.
  • Black Friday deals often emerge in the days or weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, so you may have some time to plan your trip.

Cons:

  • Black Friday is a busy travel day, as many people are returning home after Thanksgiving. This can result in crowded airports, heavy traffic, and long lines.
  • The primary focus of Black Friday is on general discounts, rather than travel opportunities. So, travel-related deals may be limited and scattered.
  • It can be challenging to identify the best travel deals on Black Friday, as they are mixed in with various other retail discounts.
  • If you are looking for comprehensive discounts on airfare, accommodations, and vacation packages, Black Friday may not be the best day to book your travel.

Overall, while Black Friday can offer some travel-related deals, it may not be the ideal day to book your trip, especially if you are specifically looking for travel opportunities. However, if you are flexible and interested in a variety of purchases, including travel accessories, it can be worth considering.

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Travel Tuesday: what is it?

Travel Tuesday is a national shopping event that takes place on the first Tuesday after the American Thanksgiving holiday. It is a day where consumers can find exclusive deals on travel, including flights, hotels, and cruises. In 2024, Travel Deal Tuesday took place on December 3rd.

History

Search interest for "Travel Tuesday" rose more than 500% from 2021 to 2023, with interest highest among American and Canadian consumers. However, interest is also rising in other parts of the world, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Spain.

Travel Deals

On Travel Deal Tuesday in 2023, travelers saved 50% or more on trips to destinations like Las Vegas, Orlando, and Cancun. Similarly, in 2024, Hopper offered exclusive hotel rates with savings of up to 50% on over 10,000 hotel properties worldwide.

Comparison to Black Friday

Travel Tuesday is often compared to Black Friday, another popular shopping event. While Black Friday is known for deals on items like electronics and clothing, Travel Tuesday focuses specifically on travel deals. In terms of travel bookings, Travel Tuesday has surpassed Cyber Monday, with consumers taking advantage of discounts on airfares, cruises, and tour packages, as well as hotel deals offering 20-30% off the best available rates.

Planning Your Travel

To make the most of Travel Tuesday, it is recommended to download travel apps or visit travel websites that track and notify users of the best deals. Additionally, setting a "flight watch" for desired destinations can help travelers stay informed about price drops and exclusive offers.

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Black Friday vs Travel Tuesday

Black Friday

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on a Friday. It is known for its shopping deals, with many people taking the opportunity to shop either in-store or online. However, it is one of the busiest travel times in the US, with crowded roads and transport hubs.

Some sources suggest that Black Friday is not as chaotic as the media portrays it to be, especially post-COVID. Many people now opt to shop online, with retailers offering deals in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. However, it is still a busy shopping weekend, and those travelling during this time can expect heavier traffic and longer lines at stores.

Travel Tuesday

Travel Tuesday is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It is a national shopping event that offers deals on travel, including flights, hotels, and cruises. According to McKinsey & Company, search interest for Travel Tuesday rose over 500% from 2021 to 2023, with interest highest among American and Canadian consumers.

Travel Tuesday 2023 saw travellers save 50% or more on trips to destinations like Las Vegas, Orlando, and Cancun. It also offered exclusive hotel rates, with savings of up to 50% on bookings in popular domestic and international destinations.

While Black Friday offers a range of shopping deals, Travel Tuesday is specifically aimed at travellers looking for discounted trips. Black Friday falls on a busy travel weekend, with crowded roads and transport hubs, whereas Travel Tuesday is a less busy time to travel and offers the opportunity to book discounted trips for future travel.

Those looking to take advantage of shopping deals may prefer Black Friday, but for those specifically interested in travel deals, Travel Tuesday is the better option. It offers a chance to book discounted trips without the hassle of busy roads and transport hubs.

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How to find the best travel deals on Travel Tuesday

Travel Tuesday, the Tuesday after American Thanksgiving, is a great opportunity to find deals on flights, cruises, hotels, and more. Here are some tips to find the best travel deals on Travel Tuesday:

Plan Ahead

It is essential to start planning your trip in advance. Research destinations, transportation, and accommodations to get an idea of the typical prices. This will help you identify a good deal when you see one.

Set Price Alerts

Many travel websites and apps allow you to set price alerts for specific flights or hotels. Take advantage of this feature to monitor prices and be notified when they drop. This will help you make an informed decision when booking your travel.

Book Directly with Airlines and Hotels

While online travel agencies are convenient, booking directly with airlines and hotels can sometimes yield better deals. They often offer exclusive discounts and promotions on their websites or to loyalty program members.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flexibility is key when finding the best travel deals. If you can travel outside of peak seasons or popular holidays, you're more likely to score lower prices. Additionally, consider flying on less busy days, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as these tend to be cheaper.

Compare Prices Across Different Platforms

Don't settle for the first deal you find. Compare prices across multiple travel websites and booking platforms to ensure you're getting the best value. Prices for the same flight or hotel can vary across different platforms, so it's worth checking several options.

Look for Package Deals

Keep an eye out for package deals that bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals together. These deals often provide significant savings, especially for popular tourist destinations.

Follow Airlines, Hotels, and Travel Companies on Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are excellent sources for finding exclusive deals and promotions. Follow your favourite travel companies and set notifications to stay updated on their latest offerings.

Book Early for Popular Destinations

If you're planning to visit a popular destination during a busy travel season, booking early is crucial. Prices tend to increase as demand rises, so securing your travel arrangements in advance can save you a significant amount.

Be Prepared to Book Quickly

Travel Tuesday deals can be time-sensitive, so be prepared to make a decision and book quickly when you find a great deal. You don't want to miss out on limited-time offers or discounts with limited availability.

By following these tips and keeping an eye on Travel Tuesday promotions, you'll be well on your way to finding incredible travel deals and planning your next trip at a fraction of the usual cost. Happy travelling!

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Travel Tuesday deals for 2024

Travel Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a great day to find deals on flights, hotels, cruises, and more. This year, it falls on December 3rd and is expected to offer incredible deals on travel, with nearly 83% more flight deals than Cyber Monday and 91% more than Black Friday in 2023.

Flights

  • American Airlines is offering flights to Europe from $599 round-trip until December 3, 2024. Some example deals include:
  • From Dallas to London from $638.
  • From New York to London from $396.
  • From Miami to Madrid from $450.
  • From Los Angeles to London from $601.
  • Southwest Airlines is offering up to 30% off flights with promo code CYBERSALE.
  • PLAY, a low-cost Icelandic airline, is offering 30% off flights to European destinations when booked between November 27 and December 3, 2024.
  • Qantas Airlines is offering reduced international fares for bookings made between December 3 and December 9, 2024.

Hotels

  • Hilton is offering up to 50% off at select properties worldwide. Some examples include:
  • Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino: Up to 35% off stays of six nights or more when booked between November 29 and December 2, 2024.
  • The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona: 25% off rooms, food, beverage, and spa treatments for stays in 2025 when booked between November 28 and December 3, 2024.
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Frequently asked questions

Black Friday is not a great day to travel, especially in the US, as it falls right after Thanksgiving, which is already the busiest travel time of the year.

Black Friday sales have become less chaotic post-COVID, with many retailers starting sales 2-3 weeks before Thanksgiving. However, it is still a busy shopping day, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to go another weekend.

Travel Tuesday is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, dedicated to offering deals on flights, hotels, cruises, and vacation packages.

To find the best travel deals on Travel Tuesday, sign up for newsletters from airlines, travel agencies, and deal websites. This will keep you informed about exclusive offers and help you compare prices quickly.

Yes, travel comparison sites can help you quickly evaluate multiple offers from various airlines and travel companies, ensuring you find the best deal available on Travel Tuesday and beyond.

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