August Travel tip

We apologize that we have not blogged since April.  We are happy to report things did get a little busy this summer here at "Travel with Us."  We had the pleasure of helping many families and one church group with their vacation and missionary plans.  Now, with summer vacation coming to a close, we are getting some much needed down time and are catching up with things that have been neglected.

For this month's tip, we wanted to concentrate on holiday traveling.  The holidays?!?!  You say, it isn't even Labor Day yet.  Well, if you are serious about traveling this holiday season, you must start planning ahead.  By mid-September flights for Thanksgiving are on the increase. 

Here are some great tips to help you through the holiday travel stresses:

1.) Thanksgiving and Christmas:  avoid booking a flight for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve.  These are peak travel days, which require "peak travel day fees." 
2.) Travel on the actual holiday if possible.   Lines are minimal, flights aren't fully booked, and airports are virtually empty. Also, book your return flight for an off-peak day such as Tuesday. It's much less stressful and makes for a much more enjoyable trip.
3.) Save 25-50% by leaving on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and returning the Friday or Saturday following Thanksgiving.  The Sunday after Thanksgiving is a peak travel day as well, which will incur extra fees.
4.) Book your flight as far out from the holiday as possible.  As stated above, by mid-September flights for Thanksgiving begin to increase.  The closer to the date, typically the higher the fare. 
5.) The Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Tuesday after New Years are the best days of the year to fly.
6.) The weeks after Thanksgiving and New Years are considered "dead weeks" by the travel industry and great deals can be found from airfare to resorts. 
7.) If your destination is less than 400 miles away, consider driving, taking the train or bus.  It's 50-60% savings over flying.
8.) Carpool with friends if you are driving your own vehicle and split the gas money. 
9.) Need a hotel for the holidays?  Use your frequent flier miles toward your hotel costs. 

Happy holiday travel planning!  We hope these tips will help put some extra green in your wallet this holiday season.