“`html
Affordable Holiday Travel Insights for 2023
The travel landscape for Thanksgiving and the December holidays has experienced a decline compared to the previous year.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-holiday-kayak-KAYAK1024-a75702c09ef3454ba7611f2e60f70c0f.jpg "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport")
According to a recent analysis by Kayak, holiday flights are more budget-friendly than anticipated, with ample time remaining to secure excellent deals—whether you’re reuniting with family or embarking on new travel traditions. The report highlights that “holiday airfare is down across the board,” noting a 6% decrease in Thanksgiving flight prices and a 9% reduction for December holidays this year. This trend is evident in both domestic and international travel markets.
Best Times to Book Flights
The study suggests booking flights by the end of October to take advantage of these favorable rates. Minneapolis emerges as the most economical U.S. city for holiday travel, with average round-trip fares around $350 until year-end. Other affordable Thanksgiving destinations include:
- Denver: under $400
- Chicago: under $400
- Seattle: under $400
- Atlanta: under $400
A Look Ahead at Late December Deals
If you’re planning trips from late December into early January, several domestic and international locations offer enticing flight deals:
- Nashville: $393
- Atlanta: $400
- New York City: $417
- Las Vegas: $422
- Nassau (Bahamas): $633
- Tulum (Mexico):$712
- Iceland:$715
- Cancun (Mexico):$784
The analysis utilized its own booking data to conduct year-over-year comparisons of holiday airfare trends during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve. It also reviewed historical search patterns for travel between November 17, 2023, and January 3, 2024—identifying optimal booking times based on average round-trip economy fares secured six months prior.
Savvy Tips for Budget Travelers
A separate study conducted by the app Going advises travelers aiming to save on airfare should steer clear of flying on Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving as well as Sunday and Monday before Christmas. Interestingly enough, those who choose to fly on the actual holiday can enjoy savings up to 25% off ticket prices—a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers.
If you want more updates about traveling trends and tips from Travel & Leisure news sources directly in your inbox—consider subscribing to our newsletter!
“`
