Tips to Get Home for Holidays
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There's no place like home for the holidays. The only trouble, often, is getting there at an affordable price. Most peak holiday airfares book up by late summer or early fall. So it might be difficult to find seats at this point for flights on peak Thanksgiving travel days -- let alone a deal. If you plan to fly on peak travel days during the Christmas holiday and haven't booked a flight yet, do it now. You CAN get home for the holidays without blowing your budget if you stay flexible with your travel plans, watch the Internet for sales and consider alternate modes of transportation.
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Up Next: Peak Days -
Don't Fly on Peak Days
You can save money if you're willing to travel several days in advance of the holidays or on Thanksgiving day, Christmas Eve or Christmas day. For example, if you avoid a Friday or Saturday departure before Christmas this year, you can save up to $90 by booking a flight on Thursday or Sunday instead, say the fareologists at Farecast.com.You can also shave a little off your ticket price by returning Tuesday (Christmas Day), Wednesday or Thursday. Avoid flying the Sunday before New Year's Eve -- it will be the most expensive day for return flights.
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Up Next: Internet -
Watch the Internet
Sales for off-peak flights usually pop up two weeks before Thanksgiving and Christmas. To find bargain flights, check Airfarewatchdog.com or Kayak.com. They post low fares on selected flights or itineraries -- and much faster than other Web sites. To take advantage of these time-sensitive flukes, you must book them right away. Travelzoo also has a list of holiday travel deals on its site.
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Up Next: Discount Airlines -
Discount Airlines
Be sure to check more than one travel search site. Not all airlines participate on Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia, so it's a good idea to check them all, including discount airlines' Web sites. Carriers such as JetBlue and Southwest Airlines advertise fares only on their sites. If price matters more than departure times and layovers, try looking on Hotwire.com or bidding for a seat at Priceline.com. You might find a cheaper fare, but this is sort of like flying blind. You can also check out Kiplinger's list of their 25 Best Travel Sites.
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Up Next: Alternate Airlines & Airports -
Don't Forget Alternate Airlines & Airports
You can save by flying on smaller airlines, such as SkyBus, Allegiant Air and Spirit, or out of alternate airports. For example, we found a flight from Baltimore-Washington International Airport to Nashville, Tenn., for $100 less than a similar flight (same airline, in fact) from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. One final tip: If you fly home regularly, join a frequent flier program. You could score a free flight. Just don't overpay for a ticket to earn a few miles or you could end up paying for your "freebie" yourself. And don't overlook programs at discount airlines.
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Up Next: Driving -
Driving Can Be An Option
Hey, this is how people used to go over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house. If you don't think your clunker can make the trip home, however, consider renting a car. There are some definite advantages to renting -- if the car breaks down, you don't have to pay for it, and you can typically get another car fairly quickly. If you already have auto insurance, you're covered for a rental, too. Don't pay for the added coverage the sales clerk will inevitably pitch.
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Up Next: Renting a Car -
Things To Consider When Renting
If you rent an economy car for a week and drive from Chicago to Dallas you would pay about $200, not including fuel and meals along the way. The downside is that an 800-mile trip will take you more than 14 hours (one way). To get the best price, rent on weekends and choose an off-airport location to avoid additional charges. But watch out for extra fees if you intend to cross state lines.
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Up Next: Carpooling -
Save on Gas With Carpooling
The biggest expense with driving will be gasoline. Share the expense (and driving) with a a travel partner or two. You can match up with someone planning to travel along your route on eRideShare, Craigslist or AlterNetRides. Check the campus bulletin boards if you live in a college town. Another option, if you're not comfortable driving long-distance with a stranger, is to use your networking skills -- ask friends and coworkers for possible travel companions.
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Up Next: Bus -
Hop on a Bus
Greyhound's New York City routes are as little as $12 one-way. Rides between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Oakland, or San Jose are just $39 one-way. Greyhound's Go Anyware fares start at $29 (must book 7 days in advance and travel on a weekday). Other penny-pinching tips include buying a round-trip ticket, buying tickets online, traveling with a friend (50% off for a companion), and buying a Student Advantage card. The Peter Pan Bus Lines web site has fares for Peter Pan, Greyhound, Bonanza, Capitol Trailways, Susquehanna Trailways, Vermont Transit and The Arrow Line.
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Up Next: Train -
Don't Forget the Train
There are few bargains on the railways during the holiday season. Amtrak isn't even offering any special fares from November 20 through the 27. But if you don't mind waiting until the last minute to book a ticket, you could still land a weekly special. Unlike the airlines, Amtrak does offer discounted rates for children. You pay half-price for kids ages 2 to 15 traveling with an adult. Travelers age 62 and older get a 15% discount, as do students with a Student Advantage card.
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