If Black Friday isn’t your style, perhaps you might be more interested in Travel Tuesday, which takes place on December 3rd. It’s a day when airlines, hotels, and rental platforms showcase limited-time promotions aimed at travelers looking for deals following the major shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Experts warn, however, that the frenzy of deals can lead to impulsive buying. According to Katy Nastro from Going, it’s crucial to start with a clear idea of where you want to travel. This way, you can research and determine what a good deal really looks like. She suggests conducting several Google Flight searches for your desired routes to understand current prices, especially outside of peak dates.
Nastro notes that airfare prices fluctuate frequently and platforms like the Google Flights app can help track these price changes. Brian Kelly, the founder of The Points Guy, echoes this sentiment, adding that observing trends in pricing across different airlines can help travelers identify genuine discounts. He advises booking a deal when you see it, as these offers might only be available for a limited time. Kelly also highlights the importance of frequent flyer miles, suggesting that travelers should book their reward tickets well in advance as they often open up 11 months prior.
Budget-conscious travelers should carefully assess whether a deal is truly beneficial. Nastro points out that promotions offering just a 10% discount may not be worthwhile when taxes and fees are included. When looking for hotel deals, shoppers can typically expect discounts between 20% to 30%, but are cautioned to read the fine print for restrictions.
For those who miss out on Travel Tuesday or don’t find the discounts appealing, it’s essential to remember that deals may linger into the days following December 3. Alongside Travel Tuesday, many travel companies are also offering promotions during Black Friday, meaning there can be great savings opportunities leading up to the holiday.
Travelers are encouraged to keep an eye on deals from various airlines and hotels as they can sometimes start earlier in the season. For example, Breeze Airways will be offering $29 fares on select routes starting on November 29, while other carriers are expected to unveil competitive offers. High-profile hotel promotions, such as Hilton’s and Hyatt’s discounts, exemplify the kinds of savings travelers can take advantage of during this busy shopping season.
To ensure that you’re snagging the best travel deals, thorough research into standard pricing, along with careful review of terms and restrictions, will help in making informed purchasing decisions.