Many travelers are adjusting their vacation plans because of inflation.
ST. LOUIS — The holiday season is rapidly approaching, with experts predicting it will be the busiest travel season since 2019. But inflation may be forcing many travelers to rethink their vacation plans.
A new survey from Bankrate finds that most travelers are looking for ways to save on travel costs. Some might even consider traveling by car instead of flying — small tweaks that can help families make ends meet.
Ted Rothman is a senior industry analyst at Bankrate.
“77% of vacation travelers are making adjustments,” Rothman said. “They don’t want to cancel their trips entirely, they want to drive instead of fly, stay in cheaper accommodations and choose cheaper activities.”
If you’re planning on flying to visit family, now’s your chance to grab some cheap airfare. Domestic flights are usually cheapest six to eight weeks before you leave, so if you haven’t booked a flight for Thanksgiving or Christmas, hurry up. For international flights, plan further out if possible. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you might be able to find a good deal, says Rothman.
“If you’re planning on flying on Thanksgiving morning, can you leave earlier or stay later? That could actually be a big cost-saving opportunity, and hopefully you’ll make it in time for family dinner,” Rothman said.
Another concern for travelers is flight delays and cancellations, and after Southwest Airlines canceled more than 16,000 flights at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and airports across the U.S. last holiday season, experts recommend booking with a credit card that has strong travel insurance protection.
“Many cards include these coverages at no extra cost and can help with everything from rental car damage to canceled or delayed flights to lost or delayed baggage,” Rothman added.
Airlines aren’t legally obligated to provide compensation, but most credit cards are, so always ask your credit card company to cover the cost of a hotel, rental car, and maybe even meals and necessities if you find yourself stranded.
