5 Easy Tips for New Year’s Travel Planning
December 9, 2013
When it comes to traveling this time of year, it could be worth it to embark on your adventures after the big holiday rush. Many people are clogging up the highways and taking up seats around Christmastime, so things tend to be busier and the prices tend to skyrocket. Leaving just a week later can save you money and allow you to enjoy your destination with smaller crowds.
Look for Last-Minute Deals
The airlines and resorts are always hopeful that they will be busy this time of year but, sometimes, there are still rooms and flights that remain unfilled. As a result, they often drop the prices since a lower-paying customer is better than none at all! Keep an eye on sites such as Kayak, Travelocity and Expedia or set up alerts so that you will be emailed and/or texted when a low rate becomes available.
Pick Your Destination Wisely
If you don’t have your heart set on visiting a specific location, consider keeping an open mind and see which areas are offering the best deals and biggest discounts. Be sure to double-check that there isn’t another good reason for the prices (hurricane season, for example).
Go All-Inclusive
Exhausted after the holiday season? Why not shop for a package deal that includes everything – so you don’t have to think about anything? The best part about this is that, over Christmas and New Year’s, the Caribbean resorts tend to offer deep discounts in order to attract tourists and they tend to feature all-inclusive deals. Over the years, these have become a lot more customizable and allow travelers to pick from a variety of food and beverage options.
Enjoy a Cruise
Again, cruise ships from the United States usually stop in the Caribbean and offer really good rates at the beginning of the year. All you have to do is pack your bags, board the ship, and the crew will do the rest. You will be well-fed, entertained and relaxed while someone else does the navigating.
Stay Local
If you sign up for a discount coupon email service such as Groupon or Living Social, you could discover some pretty amazing deals in your own backyard. If you would rather drive than fly, look for locales that are just a few hours away that offer good rates. You don’t have to travel far to reap the benefits.
After such a busy time, it can be infinitely rewarding to take a break and treat yourself to a getaway. Keep an eye on the deals and you could be enjoying the bliss in no time!
