Holiday Travel Is Coming: Here Is When to Book and How to Save
The holidays are almost here, and if travel is part of your plans this season, I am excited for you. Whether you are heading home to visit family, escaping somewhere warm, or ringing in the New Year somewhere exciting, holiday travel is one of my favorite things to help people plan.
But here is the thing I always want my clients to know before anything else: the best holiday trips start with booking early. The sooner you move, the more options you have, the better the prices, and honestly, the more fun the whole planning process becomes. So let me share what the data says and what I tell every traveler this time of year.
The Best Time to Book Thanksgiving and Christmas Flights
Let’s talk numbers, because timing matters. According to Google Flights, the best time to book your Thanksgiving travel is typically October 28 through November 19. If Thanksgiving travel is on your radar, that window is here—or closing fast. The longer you wait, the fewer options you may have—and the more you may pay.
For Christmas, mid-October through mid-November is generally the best time to book. According to Google Flights, fares have historically been lowest around 58 days before departure. After Halloween, prices tend to climb—and they rarely come back down.
The bottom line? Book now. Waiting to book holiday travel is one of the easiest ways to end up paying more than you need to.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
One of the simplest tips I share with clients every year: take advantage of the free tools already at your fingertips.
Google Flights lets you set price alerts for your preferred route, so you’ll know when fares change without having to constantly check. When you get an alert that prices have dropped or are within the range you’re comfortable paying, that’s your cue to book. Don’t wait for the absolute lowest fare—it may not come. The goal isn’t to predict the perfect fare—it’s to recognize a good one when you see it.
A Few More Tips Worth Knowing
Flexibility can be your best friend during the holidays. Shifting your travel by even a day in either direction can sometimes mean significantly lower fares. If your schedule allows, consider flying on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. These flights are often less expensive than traveling the days immediately before or after the holiday.
Don’t forget about where you’ll stay. Booking your accommodations around the same time as your flights can help you secure better options before popular hotels and vacation rentals fill up. And if you’re traveling internationally, give yourself even more lead time. International fares and accommodations can be more sensitive to last-minute demand, making early planning especially worthwhile.
This Is Where I Come In
Holiday travel can feel overwhelming when you’re juggling timing, pricing, family logistics, and everything else the season brings. That’s exactly what I’m here for.
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving getaway, a Christmas trip to see family, or a New Year’s escape to start 2027 somewhere beautiful, I’d love to help you put it all together—thoughtfully, strategically, and with as little stress as possible.
Reach out to Toastable Travel + Events and let’s make your holiday travel plans something to genuinely look forward to. The sooner we connect, the more possibilities we’ll have to explore together—and the better chance we’ll have of creating a trip that feels just right for you.
Source: McCarthy, Kelly. "Time to Book Thanksgiving, Christmas Holiday Travel and Tips to Save." Good Morning America, October 23, 2025.
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