Cut Your Holiday Travel Costs

Americans usually travel during the holidays, which can cost more than a few dollars even with thoughtful planning. Here’s how to save money on the ground and in the air.

On the Ground

If you’ll spend some time in the family vehicle, consider ways to cut gasoline costs that always seem to rise during the holidays. Some wholesale buying clubs sell gasoline at discounts that can save you a couple of dollars. You can also look for apps that alert you to the lowest gas prices wherever you travel.

Pack some sandwiches, snacks and games to keep the kids occupied if you expect to travel for hours. If you’ll need lodging, use rewards cards if the establishment offers lower prices for members. Also look for discount books, where you could find coupons for your favorite hotel, when using rest stops on major highways and interstates.

By Air

Look to fly during off-peak hours, including on the holiday itself, for some of the lowest airline fares you will find. Early morning and midnight flights are not only cheaper but easier as well, because the airports are less busy. The least expensive days of the week to fly are Tuesday to Thursday because there is normally high air traffic on the weekends and Mondays. Sometimes buying two one-way tickets will cost less than a round-trip ticket.

Also look to travel to and from secondary airports, which often costs less than flying to the big ones. To save on checked baggage charges, make sure everyone arrives at the airport with a fully packed carry-on bag or suitcase, as long as the airline doesn’t charge for it.

Combo

Enlist family and friends to pick you up from the airport if you don’t expect to need your own vehicle. Generally, hotel shuttle services are free while others can be costly. Hiring a cab or shuttle to take you to a residential address tends to be the most expensive. If you have to rent a car after flying to a destination, don’t buy insurance from the rental company for the same coverage you may already have. Check with your auto insurer before traveling.