11 Smart Ways to Save on Holiday Travel in 2024: Expert Tips for Families
Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
Ah, holiday travel. The mere mention of it might conjure images of busy airports, packed highways, and endless family planning group texts—all accompanied by the steadily growing anxiety of skyrocketing costs.
You're not alone if you feel this way.
When your budget is already stretched thin by gifts, parties, and countless other seasonal expenses, finding ways to save on travel is crucial.
But there's good news: there are strategies—tried and true, some even a little sneaky—that can help you bring those costs back down.
Below are 11 ways to help you actually enjoy the chaos of holiday travel without emptying your bank account.
#1: Book Early (But Stay Flexible)
Booking early gives you the luxury of time, which can mean cheaper flights or accommodations.
The sweet spot for securing the best holiday deals is often between September and early November. Here’s an excerpt straight from a recent article from Google:
Thanksgiving: For domestic trips around Thanksgiving, prices have been lowest 45 days before departure, and the low price range is 26-59 days out. So if you’re flying right before or after the holiday, the best time to book cheap flights is early October.
Christmas: Plan a bit further ahead if you’re traveling domestically for Christmas. Prices have been lowest 58 days before departure, and the low price range is 36-72 days out — so the best time to book cheap Christmas flights is the back half of October.
While it’s great to plan ahead, it’s not always a guarantee anymore. Airlines are getting smarter with dynamic pricing, meaning flights fluctuate based on demand.
It’s best to try and keep your plans somewhat flexible to capitalize on any last minute deals.
Set up alerts on travel apps like Hopper or Skyscanner, which notify you when prices dip.
Flexibility also extends to your travel dates: if you can shift your holiday from flying out on December 22nd to December 29th, you might save yourself a few bucks.
Consider booking refundable tickets if possible, which allow you to make changes if a cheaper fare becomes available later.
While refundable tickets are often more expensive upfront, they can save you money if your plans are uncertain or if a great deal pops up. This way, you can adjust without penalty and secure the best prices.
Think of it like planning a birthday party for your child. You want to get the cake and decorations ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rush, but you’re also ready to switch from a backyard celebration to an indoor one if the weather suddenly changes.
Flexibility is key—especially when trying to save money.
#2: Use Mileage Programs and Credit Card Points
You’ve been racking up those credit card points all year—now’s the time to put them to good use!
While using miles or points might seem obvious, too many people forget or procrastinate until options are slim.
Make it a point (pun intended) to log into your airline and credit card accounts and see what offers or point bonuses are available to you. If you have a stash of points sitting in your account, check out ways to convert them into cheaper flights, upgrades, or even holiday gifts.
This is especially useful for families, where buying four or five plane tickets can really add up.
If your points aren’t quite enough to cover all your travel expenses, look into point transfer options.
Many credit card companies allow you to transfer points to partner airlines or hotel programs, which could give you the boost you need.
Another option is pooling points with family members, which can be especially useful if everyone is trying to get to the same destination.
Think of mileage programs like a family savings jar. Throughout the year, everyone adds a little bit—maybe it’s pocket change or the occasional dollar bill.
By the end of the year, you’ve got enough saved up to treat everyone to something special. Use your points wisely, and they can be your ticket to a cheaper, less stressful holiday trip.
#3: Travel on Off-Peak Days
Think of holiday travel like the Black Friday sales at Target—everyone wants in at the same time, which means crowds and high prices.
If possible, travel on the “off-peak” days. Flights the day before Thanksgiving or the Friday before Christmas will cost an arm and a leg. But if you’re willing to fly on the holiday itself or adjust your schedule to travel during midweek, you’ll find significantly cheaper options—and fewer crowds too. This isn’t always easy with kids, but if you’re juggling a flexible work-from-home schedule and school vacation days, it’s worth considering.
Pro tip: Look at alternative airports when booking. Major hubs like LAX or JFK might have higher fares due to demand, but nearby regional airports can be significantly cheaper.
It may mean a longer drive, but the savings could make it worth your while—plus, smaller airports are often less crowded, making the overall experience less stressful.
One word of caution against regional airports. From my experience, the plans are usually MUCH smaller. This can mean delays and extra turbulence. If you or your little one is susceptible to motion sickness, it may be better to stick with larger planes.
#4: Pack Light to Avoid Checked Bag Fees
This might sound obvious, but when you’re packing for the whole family, suddenly everyone has “essentials” that require extra space.
Those checked baggage fees can add up quickly—especially at $35-$50 per bag.
Instead, embrace your inner minimalist and aim for carry-on bags only.
Many airlines let you bring one personal item for free—perfect for stuffing with snacks, entertainment, and extra layers for the kids.
If you’re struggling to downsize, consider packing cubes and rolling your clothes (which also makes for fewer wrinkles—a win-win).
Get creative with packing to avoid fees altogether.
For instance, wear your bulkiest items on the plane. Coats, boots, and even a couple of sweaters can be worn or carried to save space in your luggage.
And remember, most airlines allow you to carry a small backpack or purse as an additional personal item, which can help maximize your packing capacity.
#5: Saving on Gas
For those of us opting to drive this holiday season, gas prices can be the real Grinch. Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel along your route.
Also, leave early (think 5 a.m. starts) to beat the traffic—fewer cars mean less idling and better gas mileage.
The right mix of smart route planning and frequent breaks to let the kids stretch their legs can make a long drive much more affordable (and less headache-inducing).
Consider carpooling with family or friends if you're all heading in the same direction.
Splitting gas costs is an easy way to cut down on expenses while making the trip more enjoyable for the kids—more people means more entertainment and distraction options!
You can also plan your stops wisely—look for rest stops that have playgrounds or picnic areas to make the journey more of an adventure rather than a chore.
Think of it like planning a road trip scavenger hunt. You want to find the best spots to fill up your tank and let the kids burn off energy.
With some planning, the trip itself can become part of the holiday adventure, rather than just a means to an end.
#6: Consider Alternative Accommodations
Instead of booking that overpriced hotel downtown, look into vacation rentals or even house-swapping. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo sometimes offer multi-night discounts that hotels simply can’t match. If you’re visiting family and don’t mind trading a guest room for your house in the future, check out home exchange services like HomeExchange. It can provide a cozy, free place to stay while your own home doesn’t sit empty.
If you’re traveling with extended family, consider renting a larger vacation home rather than booking separate hotel rooms.
Not only can it be significantly cheaper when costs are split among multiple families, but you also get the added bonus of communal space to spend more time together—think late-night board games, shared meals, and bonding time that might not happen as easily in separate hotel rooms.
Imagine it like going to a cabin retreat with friends instead of staying in separate hotel rooms. You have space to spread out, a kitchen to prepare meals, and room to hang out without worrying about quiet hours or disturbing other guests.
It turns your trip into a family holiday experience rather than just a place to sleep.
#7: Shop for Flights and Hotels in Incognito Mode
Have you ever noticed that flight prices seem to go up after you’ve looked at them a few times?
That's no coincidence—those sneaky cookies are tracking you. One simple way around this is to use incognito mode when browsing or searching for holiday travel deals.
It sounds small, but it can save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you’re comparing multiple options.
To take it a step further, clear your browser cookies and history regularly when searching for flights or hotels.
You can also try different devices or VPNs to see if fares change. Sometimes booking through a mobile app instead of a desktop browser results in better deals—these companies want you to download their app, and they often incentivize you with discounts.
#8: Explore Nearby Hidden Gems
Not every holiday trip has to involve a long journey or a major destination.
Sometimes, the best way to save money and still make lasting memories is by exploring hidden gems close to home.
Consider taking a day trip to a lesser-known spot within a couple of hours' drive. It could be a charming small town, a scenic state park, or even an interesting historical site.
These nearby adventures not only help you save on travel costs like flights and accommodations but also give you a chance to discover more about the place you call home.
Make it a family challenge to find the quirkiest roadside attraction, the most delicious small-town diner, or the prettiest hiking trail.
Kids will love the adventure of exploring something new, and you'll love the savings. Plus, staying closer to home means less time in transit and more time enjoying the holidays together.
Exploring nearby spots can be a fun and affordable way to create new family traditions.
Discover hidden gems, enjoy quality time together, and make lasting memories without the stress and cost of a major holiday trip.
#9: Use Local Transit & Grocery Stores Once You Arrive
Whether you’re visiting family in a big city or heading to a new holiday destination, resist the temptation to rent a car or eat out for every meal.
Look into local public transit—it’s often a fraction of the cost of ride-sharing services.
Additionally, doing a grocery run right when you arrive can save you a fortune. Grabbing snacks, breakfast essentials, and maybe even a quick-prep dinner can be a budget saver when traveling with kids who are inevitably hungry at the least convenient moments.
If you're staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen, take full advantage of it!
Cooking a few simple meals during your trip not only saves you money but also gives you more control over what your family is eating—particularly useful if your kids have food allergies or specific preferences.
Even just making breakfast at your rental can cut down costs significantly over the course of a week-long stay.
#10: Bundle Up on Travel Packages
Sometimes booking a travel package that includes your flight, hotel, and even car rental can lead to significant savings.
Websites like Expedia, Travelocity, or even Costco Travel offer package deals that could cut costs compared to booking each element separately.
These bundles can also save you the hassle of managing separate reservations and payments—something every parent could use a bit less of during the holidays.
Some credit cards also offer discounts or extra points when you book travel packages through their rewards portals.
Check your credit card’s travel perks—there may be bonuses or even travel insurance that makes these packages an even better deal.
#11: Lean on Social Media for Last-Minute Deals
Many airlines, hotels, and travel companies use their social media pages to post flash sales or last-minute deals.
Following your favorite airlines or travel booking sites on social platforms like Twitter or Instagram can help you stay in the know.
While it might not be ideal to rely solely on last-minute deals when you’re planning family travel, it can be a great option if you’re flexible on your dates or destination.
You can also join travel-focused Facebook groups or follow hashtags like #traveldeals to get tips and share insights with other travelers.
Parents are often the first to know about kid-friendly discounts or family-oriented accommodations, and these groups can be a treasure trove of insider knowledge.
These social media groups are a great resource for finding last-minute deals and getting insider tips from other travelers. It's all about leveraging community knowledge to make your holiday travel more affordable and less stressful.
Make Holiday Travel About Memories, Not Just Cost
Holiday travel doesn't have to break the bank—if you’re willing to get a little creative and plan ahead, you can save a surprising amount without sacrificing comfort or fun.
Hopefully, these eleven tips will help you keep costs under control, allowing you to focus more on creating memories instead of tallying up expenses.
Remember, holiday magic is found in shared moments—not necessarily in how much you spend to make them happen.
