How to Save Money on Fall Travel: Tips from NerdWallet's Sally French

Planning for Fall Travel Deals

• 🍂 While summer winds down, now is the ideal time to plan for fall travel (September, October, November) to secure the best deals.
• ✈️ For domestic flights, booking 1-3 months in advance is recommended, while international travel requires 2-8 months of lead time.
• 🚗 Good news for road trippers: rental cars and hotels can often be found cheaper when booked last minute.

Understanding Travel Spending Trends

• 📉 Travel spending declined in June compared to the previous year, largely due to lower airfares and hotel prices.
• 🌍 A decrease in international travelers means more opportunities for domestic travelers to find deals within the U.S.
• 💰 While airfares are dropping, entertainment and dining costs during travel remain higher.

Savvy Booking Strategies

• 💡 Airlines often offer specials on newly launched direct routes to build demand and attract customers.
• 🗺️ Utilize tools like Google Flights Explore to find cheap flights to various destinations by inputting flexible dates or exploring options from your home airport.
• ⏰ Don't fall for myths about booking at specific times; focus on booking 1-3 months out for domestic and 2-8 months out for international travel.
• 🗓️ Cheaper days to fly are typically Tuesday and Wednesday, while Friday and Sunday are the most expensive.

Maximizing Travel Value

• 🚢 Cruises are a growing trend, offering easy planning and budgeting, especially for multi-generational trips, with many new ships and amenities available.
• 🏖️ Consider traveling during the shoulder season (between peak and off-season) for good weather, open businesses, and fewer crowds.
• 💳 Using credit cards for travel expenses can be beneficial for rewards and perks like TSA PreCheck or lounge access, but only if paid off in full monthly to avoid high interest.
• 🏨 While budget brands see lower occupancy, luxury travel demand remains high, with some travelers choosing to splurge on fewer, more premium experiences.

Navigating Travel Challenges

• 🎟️ For popular destinations like the Vatican or Coliseum, especially during events like a Jubilee year, book attraction tickets well in advance to avoid inflated prices from third-party resellers.
• ❌ The idea that prices increase the more you search on the same browser is a myth; prices do not change based on your browsing history.
• ✈️ If a flight is canceled, have a backup plan, know alternative airports, and pack patience and extra time for potential delays.