As travel increases during the holiday season, finding cheap airfare around that time is a tough nut to crack. It’s smart to have multiple strategies and combine as many as you can to save on travel.
You need to figure out the best time to buy Thanksgiving flights, book in advance, book on specific dates, and book with the right credit card.
Sounds tedious? Don’t worry. We have simplified it for you with some excellent Thanksgiving travel tips that help you save money and get the best deals!
Read on to know the most creative ideas that can help you travel cheaper on Thanksgiving 2023.
How to Find the Cheapest Holiday Airfare?
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Be Flexible
One of the best things to do when looking for the cheapest holiday airfare is to be flexible.
When you are not set on traveling on specific dates or using a specific airline, your possibility of finding the best deal and cheapest holiday airfare will increase.
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Consider Traveling Internationally
One of the best ways to save money on Thanksgiving flights is to consider going abroad. You can visit any country where Thanksgiving is not a big deal and save a lot of money while having a memorable experience.
The cost of international flights is lower as most people prefer to travel within the country. The demand is low, and supply is more, which means lower prices.
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The Date Matters
The day you choose for Thanksgiving travel also matters. There are a few least crowded days to travel on.
If you choose them, the cost of travel would be comparatively lower, and you will save a considerable amount of money.
- The Saturday before the Thanksgiving holiday is usually less crowded
- The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is also less crowded
- Traveling on Black Friday is also a viable option, as most people are busy shopping on that day
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Travel on Thanksgiving Day
When seeking cheap Thanksgiving flights, also consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day.
The holiday has the lowest traffic as most people travel before or after it.
Book the first flight of the day to reduce the odds of flight delay and impress your family by attending the Thanksgiving dinner just in time.
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Stay Longer Than Usual
If you don’t have a remote job and want to travel only on the weekends, you can fly on Black Friday. It is the third-least crowded day to fly (on average).
You can always shop online and snag the Black Friday deals while waiting at the airport with Amex Blue Cash EveryDay card and score 3% cash back. I
t’s a win-win situation that helps you travel cheaply, save money, and avoid the rush.
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How to know if you're getting a good deal?
As the airfares constantly fluctuate, it isn’t easy to name the exact time, date, or destination that will help you save money on Thanksgiving travel.
One of your best bets is to use Google Flights, which has a function that will let you know how the current figures compare to historical data. So, always compare before booking.
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How to maximize your rewards with the right credit card?
A simple way to make Thanksgiving Travel simpler is by using the right credit card.
Here are a few options that will help you maximize your savings and their key benefit.
Card Name Key Benefits Point Transfers, Flexibility, and a Generous Bonus
Flat-Rate Travel Rewards
$0 Annual Fee
Luxury Perks
High-End Perks and Bonus Travel Rewards
Perfect for Business Travelers
What is the best time to buy Thanksgiving flights?
It is strongly recommended that you book your Thanksgiving flights at least three months before for domestic flights. If choosing international flights, you should book at least four months in advance to get the best pricing.
In case you haven’t had the opportunity to book flights well in advance, you must book them between October 8 to November 19, as it might help you save as much as three percent.
Waiting longer than that is not recommended as the prices are extremely high, and you might not even get a ticket as every flight would be fully booked.
Where to travel for Thanksgiving?
Though traveling during Thanksgiving is often expensive, some destinations are slightly more affordable during the holiday. Some of them are:
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Budapest, Hungary
Explore the festive finery and shop at the splendid Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market.
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Savannah, Georgia
Go here to experience some modern charm and try southern food.
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Dublin, Ireland
Visiting the Irish capital is great if you stay at the historic Shelbourne Hotel and enjoy a pint of Guinness at O’Donoghue’s Bar.
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The Big Island, Hawaii
November is the best time to visit Hawaii and explore the wonderful sunny Kona-Kohala coast.
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Fort Myers, Florida
If you want a carefree getaway and enjoy white sand beaches (along with fun activities), Fort Myers is a great choice.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
Enjoy the spring here and walk through the Mendoza wine region to make your holiday memorable.
How to Make Thanksgiving Travel More Affordable with Offbeat Destinations?
Whether you want to travel within the US or internationally, we recommend that you try more offbeat destinations and avoid the typical places like Paris or London.
You can explore many small towns in Europe or choose places like Peru, Columbia, and Argentina.
Always use points or miles earned on a credit card and use a card that comes with travel perks like lounge access, baggage insurance, low or no foreign transaction fee, etc.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Travel
What day is Thanksgiving 2023?
This year, Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 23.
Is Thanksgiving Day a busy travel day?
Though travel before and after Thanksgiving is usually high, Thanksgiving Day itself is not a very busy travel day.
Where do most people travel during Thanksgiving?
New York is one of the most visited cities in the world during Thanksgiving.
There are a ton of events in the city, and the Macy’s Day Parade is the key highlight.
Final Words
There are many ways to save money on Thanksgiving travel. You need to book in advance, pick the right date and destination, and use the right credit card to make Thanksgiving travel cheaper.
If you follow all the tips mentioned above, you will save big on Thanksgiving travel in 2023. Try it! Happy Traveling!
