The holiday season, with its festive charm and joy, often comes with a hectic rush, especially for travelers. At FlyOver Travel, we emphasize the importance of planning your holiday travel early to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here’s why booking in advance can make a significant difference and some best practices to follow.
Why Book Early?
- Better Flight Options: The earlier you book, the more choices you have. Flights during the holiday season fill up quickly, and booking in advance ensures you get the preferred flight times and seats. According to recent data, over 7.5 million people are expected to fly during the peak holiday period, surpassing previous records (Travel Agent Central).
- Lodging Choices: Popular destinations see high demand, and accommodations can sell out fast. Booking early not only gives you access to the best hotels but also often at better rates. Last-minute bookings typically come with higher prices and limited availability.
- Managing Heavy Demand: The holiday season witnesses a significant increase in travelers. AAA projects that 115.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holiday period, marking a 2.2% increase from last year (AAA Newsroom). Early planning helps you avoid the rush and secure better deals.
Best Practices for Booking Holiday Travel
- Set a Budget: Determine your travel budget early. This helps in finding deals that fit within your financial plans and avoids the last-minute price surges that can blow your budget. Pricing for air and lodging are usually higher due to the higher demand and increased popularity on the Best Holiday Travel Trips.
- Flexible Dates: If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. Traveling a few days before or after peak holiday dates can result in significant savings. If you are free Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day are days that offer attractive pricing options even though the downside is traveling on the actual holiday during your vacation travel.
- Purchase Travel Insurance: Protect your investment by purchasing travel insurance. It can provide coverage for unexpected changes or cancellations, which is especially useful during the busy holiday season. No one can foresee travel issues but using travel protection is a great way to have a little more peace of mind in case something happens during your holiday vacation.
- Plan Activities Early: Popular attractions and events can sell out quickly during the holidays. Booking tickets and making reservations in advance ensures you don’t miss out on any must-see activities. Don’t forget your excursions as well. If you want to go snorkeling, sailing, tours, etc, work with your travel agent to get it booked early. Remember families from around the world are oftentimes looking to participate in the same fun activities that you are interested in on your Holiday Vacation.
Holiday Travel Statistics
Understanding the scale of holiday travel can help underscore the importance of early planning:
- Low Cancellation Rates: The flight cancellation rate during Christmas and New Year’s in 2023 was just 0.8%, significantly lower than previous years (Transportation.gov).
- High Travel Volume: AAA expects over 115 million travelers during the year-end holiday period, with increases in both driving and alternative transportation modes like buses, trains, and cruises (Travel Agent Central) (AAA Newsroom).
- Top Destinations: Popular domestic destinations include Orlando, Anaheim, and Las Vegas, while international favorites are London, St. Thomas, St. Maarteen, Jamaica, and Aruba
Conclusion
Booking your holiday travel early is key to ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season. Early planning allows you to secure the best deals, avoid the rush, and have a wider range of options. At FlyOver Travel, we are dedicated to helping you make your holiday travel plans as seamless as possible. Contact one of our professional Travel Advisors soon to learn more about your options. Happy travels!
For more detailed planning and personalized assistance, contact FlyOver Travel today.
