Score best fares on flights
Throw away your reservation knowledge out the window. Although the general rule when buying airline tickets is to wait about six weeks before your trip, the holiday season is a horse of a different color. Since the holidays are among the busiest days of the trip of the year, travelers must book much earlier than they would otherwise. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of long-distance travel increases by 54% during the Thanksgiving weekend and up to 77% during the holiday period of Christmas / New Year. With so much congestion Travel within the community, it should come as no surprise that ticket prices are much higher for those taking a holiday vacation. Wait up to six weeks or at the last minute is not ideal in this case not only because you end up paying too much for your travel plans, but also risk the chance of even getting a flight. Instead, vacationers should start their booking process as early as six months in advance to secure the flights they want without having to pay an arm and a leg.
Securing your ideal accommodation before they are taken
Getting through the holiday season is smooth no easy feat, especially for those who travel long distances to visit friends or family. With so many potential stressors surrounding this season it is a good idea to get a head start wherever possible, including with travel bookings. Since so many people planning to travel during this time, airline seats and hotel rooms sell at lightning speed, so it is best to book early so you can be sure that you are able to get all lodging you or your family need before it's too late. Those traveling in groups or with a large family should be particularly aware of this rule. Obtain airline seats together or near each other is especially difficult during the holidays, so in order to get the best shot to have your family sitting together on a flight, you will need to book much earlier than you would during spring or summer. In terms of booking accommodation if your family needs a particular type of room or some equipment, booking before your check-in date can help ensure that you get the help you need to secure the hotel perfect for the holidays.
More flexibility for your itinerary
Many find that the best strategy for planning a vacation trip to be as flexible as possible. Plans can change at the drop of a hat, so by booking early, you give much more leeway in case something happens and you need to change or cancel your flight or hotel reservation. Travellers should always remember that the cancellation fees are nothing to scoff at, so when booking a holiday trip at the beginning, you are essentially giving you a little more leeway to avoid unnecessary costs just in case you need to adjust your schedule. Of course, according to the airline or hotel you book with, cancellation or adjustment of fees may not be entirely preventable, even if you cancel or change your months in advance planning, it is important to make sure you read the policies that will be confirmed in the case you have to cancel.
Book your holiday stay ahead often involves many people with travel schedules and very special accommodation, which can be very stressful. Booking in advance not only can almost guarantee that you will have your desired flights and hotels, but also serve as a kind of insurance against the payment of higher fees for booking last minute or be left with a flight or hotel that is not to your standards.
For more ideas on how to save on travel and where this holiday season, visit our travel website comments.