The year has flown by and somehow it is almost the holiday season once again. This time of year is full of joy, special activities and family. A lot of people across the country also spend this time traveling¹ to visit loved ones in other areas. While visiting family and friends is exciting, traveling is rarely cheap. If you’re planning on traveling this holiday season, here are some helpful tips to save some money and stress.

Book your flights early

If you have a trip that requires some time in the air, be sure to book your flights early. Booking early helps you avoid price hikes closer to holidays and provides you with more flexible dates. You also don’t have to worry as much about flights getting sold out.

Look around for the best deals

Thanks to the internet, you have a better opportunity to search for desirable travel options. If you’re looking to fly,² travel sites provide the chance for you to shop around for better prices and times. If you’re looking to rent a car for your trip, look around for companies with the best deals and rates.

Bring snacks with you

Whether you’re traveling by plane or car, come prepared with snacks. Food at airports is usually expensive and stopping constantly on the road can add up quickly. Plus, being stocked up on snacks when you leave the house is likely to save you time during your busy travel schedule.

Hitch a ride to the airport

Paying for parking at the airport can be pricey³ on a regular day, but prices usually increase during the holidays. Instead of driving yourself, ask a friend if they can take you to the airport, or arrange a ride through a service like Uber® or Lyft®. If possible, you could also take public transportation.

The views expressed by the articles and sites linked in this post do not necessarily reflect the opinions and policies of Cash Central or Community Choice Financial®. 

Sources:

¹Zhekova, Dobrina. (2022, Oct 7). Retrieved from: https://www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel-preview-2022-report-pwc-6746930

²Hewitt, Ed. (2022, Nov 16). Retrieved from: https://www.smartertravel.com/10-tips-holiday-travel/

³(2022, Dec 11). Retrieved from: https://blog.onestopparking.com/how-much-does-airport-parking-cost-per-day/