It’s time to start planning and booking IF you are planning to travel this holiday season. I’m here to help and also share some recent questions I’ve received. Holiday Travel Planning will be discussed after the Q & A.
Q. What’s my favorite booking tool?
A. My favorite booking resource is Hichee.com. It does all the work for you! It compares all the top sites, including AirBnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and directly using a “magic search” with host/owner for even greater savings. Searches can include pet friendly places and other special requests.
Q. How can I use AI to plan a trip?
A. Still in its infancy stages as far as the possibilities, AI can easily be used to simplify your search. Right now, the best tools are Expedia’s Romie and Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner are your best bets.
FYI: The skies have gone to the dogs! Bark Air is the world’s first airline for doggies. They transport dogs of all sizes along with the pet owners “in comfort and in style.”
Q. Where can I find the best last minute travel deals?
A. There are lots of sites but I like SpareFare and Rommer Travel. These feature packages sold by travelers NOT travel companies. If they don’t sell their reservation, they lose 100% of their money so these sellers are highly motivated. Great bargains can be found! And to find the lowest airfares, check out Get The Flight Out to save up to 80% off fares to many destinations. Google Flights and Skyscanner are also good resources for low airfares.
FYI: Extended stays for travelers are expected on the moon within a decade and permanent habitats (meaning people living in space) is expected within thirty years!
Holiday Travel Planning
The best time to book domestic travel is generally October, especially for the best flight fares. For most international travel it is 50 days out, but if you’re traveling to Europe you should book as far in advance as possible. The cheapest fares are usually mid-week rather than the weekend. Non-stop flights will cost more than 1+ stop flights. Flying into alternative airports is often cheaper. For example, if you’re going to New York, check fares for LaGuardia, JFK and Newark.
The busiest and most expensive day to fly will be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. In fact, tickets will be 47% higher for those who return home on Sunday! The Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday or Tuesday after Thanksgiving will be the cheapest fares and least crowded. If you fly on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day you will be rewarded with huge savings. The busiest and most expensive time to fly will be the week between Christmas and New Years.
Q. What will be the most popular travel destinations for the holidays this year?
A. The most sought after Thanksgiving destinations will be: Orlando, Sea Island (Georgia), Kiawah Island (South Carolina), New York, and the Florida Keys (especially Key West). For Christmas: Cancun (Mexico), New York, Williamsburg (Virginia), Orlando, Charleston (South Carolina), Tokyo, New Orleans, Savannah and London. For New Years, the most popular will be Edinburgh (Scotland), Sydney (Australia), Tokyo, London, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Las Vegas, Rome, New York City, New Orleans, Maui and the Caribbean (especially the Antilles, Virgin Islands and Turks & Caicos) .
Q. Do you recommend getting an airport pass?
A. It depends on your situation. These days you have to get to the airport two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights, especially if flying out of major airports and/or flying during peak times, such as holidays and summer time. If you would like to avoid spending so much time standing in line, I recommend getting a TSA PreCheck pass. This allows you to go through a short line (wait time is ten minutes or less 99% of the time) at a faster rate because you don’t have to take off your shoes, jacket, belt or put all sorts of items in the bucket, such as laptops and toiletries. You have been “pre-cleared.” Other types of passes include Global Entry (includes TSA PreCheck), Mobile Passport app and Clear. Another type of pass is an airport lounge pass that allows fliers use of first class lounges. There are different types with different levels of costs. If you have select credit cards, such as a black AmEx card, it includes entry to these lounges. And, of course, if you fly first class or business class, you are entitled to entry to select lounges. I use these lounges whenever I fly to Africa or Asia because there are multiple flights with long layovers. It is so worth the money in certain circumstances!
FYI: A new trend in travel is terminal tourism. Some airports, such as Tampa International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport are now allowing people without boarding passes into previously off limits area of the terminal. This is useful is you would like to accompany minors or seniors or greet a loved one at the terminal. Some airports have lots to offer, including specialty shops, fine dining and spa services. Kansas City has a wood-burning barbeque firepit!!
Q. Do I need a visa to go to Europe for New Years?
A. While many other nationalities must have a passport to enter Europe, Americans do not. However, in 2025 an ETIAS will be required. It is not a visa but is is required documentation. You will not be allowed to board your flight if you do not have it.
FYI: A ‘real ID‘ will be required for domestic flights throughout the U.S. beginning May 7, 2025. This was due to begin quite a while ago but Homeland Security kept pushing back the date due to various reasons. If you have a ‘real ID DL’ you are good to go. If you haven’t updated your license, you will need a passport to fly.
RESOURCES
- 5 Travel Expenses You Should Splurge On
- Holiday Travel Tips
- 12 Things You Need to Know About Flying During the Holidays
- My Five Favorite Flying Tips
- Five Best Travel Apps This Holiday Season
- Five Ways to Make Flying Fun During the Holidays
- More Holiday Travel Tips
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Terrance Zepke studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She has studied Parapsychology at the renowned Rhine Research Center. She began her career as a freelance writer and photographer, ... 
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