Traveling for the Holidays? Budgeting for Flights and Accommodations

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There's plenty to love about the holiday season, but one thing we can all agree on is how stressful it can be to travel at this time. The roads are busier, airports are more crowded, and everything from gasoline to groceries seems to be more expensive.

To help you enjoy the festive season without breaking the bank, the experts at Landmark National Bank have compiled some essential holiday travel budgeting tips and insights on ways to save money on holiday travel. We'll explore the benefits of planning your holiday travel expenses and discuss how to make affordable holiday accommodationsthat will make your trip great.

How Do You Save Money on Holiday Travel?

Saving money on holiday travel starts with a solid plan. Booking your flights and making affordable holiday accommodations early can help you avoid price hikes as the holidays draw near. To get the best holiday travel deals, consider setting up price alerts on travel websites that notify you when rates drop. Flying midweek or opting for early morning or late-night flights can also help you save money, and smaller airports may offer cheaper fares and less congestion.

Planning Holiday Travel Expenses

Budgeting for holiday trips is very important, as you want to avoid unnecessary expenses as much as possible. Consider all potential costs, such as gas, meals, airline fees, and any planned activities. If you plan on staying for a while, do some research to determine the typical costs in the area.

You should also stash away an emergency fund, either via online banking or in cash in your suitcase. You may not end up needing it, but it will come in handy in case you need to extend your stay or see a must-have souvenir on your last day in town.

Ways To Budget Travel for Holidays

One of the key principles of budget-friendly holiday travel is prioritizing your spending. Decide what parts of your trip are most important to you and allocate your funds accordingly. Here are some ways to save money on holiday travel:

• Book affordable holiday accommodations.Look around for the best deals on hotels. You can also consider staying in an Airbnb or Vrbo rental, especially if you're traveling solo.
• Use travel rewards programs.If you travel frequently, check your airline points. You may be surprised by what upgrades or discounts are available!
• Pack and/or cook your meals.If you're staying in a hotel or apartment rental with a kitchen, consider buying food to cook yourself for at least a few meals. Eating breakfast at home is easy and can help you save money.

Finding Cheap Flights for the Holidays

Booking cheap flights during the holiday season can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. To find budget-friendly holiday travel, compare prices across multiple travel websites and check for discounted tickets with budget airlines like Frontier, Spirit, or Allegiant Air. It's also huge if you can travel with only a carry-on to avoid baggage fees, especially if your trip is short.

It's actually a common myth that searching for flights in your browser's private browsing can help you save money, as many people think airlines will raise their prices if you hesitate to buy a ticket right away. In reality, ticket prices fluctuate for a variety of complex reasons, meaning you should focus on finding the best rate you can.

Tips for Holiday Travel Savings

To maximize your holiday travel savings, look for travel packages that bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals for a discount. You can also consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if your plans are flexible, to protect your investment in case of cancellations or delays. By being resourceful and prepared, you can keep your holiday travel costs under control and avoid incurring any holiday debt.

Get Expert Advice From Landmark National Bank

As you navigate the hectic holiday season, Landmark National Bank is here to lend a helping hand. We're your trusted resource for budgeting, money management, and everything else you encounter on your financial journey. Contact us todayor find a bank branch location near youto get started!

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