As we approach the holiday season, more and more people will start to travel. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of long-distance trips increases by 54% during the six-day travel period around Thanksgiving. Surprisingly, the number of trips around Christmas only increases by 23%, but the point is that the holidays are one of the busiest times for travel.
However, long distance travel can start to add up. You, of course, want to see your family around the holidays, but expensive travel costs can make this difficult. If you’re going to travel around the holidays, consider a few things that could help save you some money.
Compare prices, but consider all of the costs. Do a comparison between the price of driving and the price of an airplane ticket. Gas prices will vary from state to state, or even from town to town, but you can estimate a ballpark price by calculating your fuel economy, the distance, and average gas prices. If you’re traveling solo, it could be cheaper (and safer) to fly than it is to drive. However, the more people you’re traveling with, the more economical it becomes to take a road trip. Also consider things like time constraints. Driving takes longer, so you might have to take a day or two off work. Think about whether it’s more economical to purchase plane tickets rather than miss a couple of workdays.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that 91% of long-distance holiday travel is by car. Gas is usually cheaper during the fall and winter than during the summer. That will certainly help you save some during holiday travels.
If you will be traveling over the course of two or more days, consider where you will be sleeping. If you can camp or stay with family or friends instead of booking a hotel room, you will save quite a bit of money.
Instead of eating meals on the road, or spending a fortune in snacks at convenience stores or airport coffee shops, pack food and drink for your travels.
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