‘Tis the season for busy travelers and tight budgets. Use these tips to help reduce holiday travel expenses.

Many will be on the move this season, whether by car, train, or plane. As per recent data, 60 million Americans are expected to fly or stay at hotels during the holidays. Unfortunately, nearly 40% may end up with credit card debt as a result.

For reference, the average traveler during Thanksgiving week spends around $490 on flights and $140 daily on hotel stays. That totals $630 before factoring in luggage fees!

Luckily, you can still find ways to cut back on holiday travel spending.

EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT OPTIONS

If the thought of spending hundreds on a flight stresses you out, consider other travel methods. “Air travel tends to be the priciest option during the holidays, so consider alternatives like trains or driving,” suggests an expert from a travel site. “If you can drive but lack a vehicle, weigh the cost of flights or train tickets against rental car fees, remembering to include gas and insurance in your calculations.”

If flying is your only option, be flexible with your travel dates. The cheapest flight day last year was Christmas Eve, with fares averaging $100 less than those flying the Saturday before.

TIME YOUR BOOKINGS FOR SAVINGS

Many believe booking far in advance will guarantee savings, but you can refine your timing. The best period to book Christmas flights is between November 23 and December 9, which can save travelers about 15%. Additionally, booking hotels on Fridays often leads to the lowest average nightly rates.

WAIT FOR “TRAVEL TUESDAY” SALES

Discounts aren’t exclusive to electronics on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Look out for Travel Tuesday, when numerous online travel sites provide sales on select flights and accommodations.

“Our sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday feature hundreds of deals on flights, hotels, and activities,” the spokesperson notes. With intense competition in the travel sector, be sure to check various travel websites and airlines before finalizing your bookings.

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Holiday lodging costs can escalate quickly, especially during longer visits with family. While staying with relatives is an obvious cost-saver, if that doesn’t appeal, there are other ways to save on accommodations.

Using home-sharing platforms like Airbnb can lead to substantial savings. “Staying in an Airbnb is often cheaper than a traditional hotel,” says an industry analyst. “It feels more personal, offers more space, and allows you to prepare some meals at home.”

If you prefer hotels, consider budget-friendly boutique options and check for holiday promotions.

CUT BACK ON OTHER EXPENSES

In addition to major travel costs like transportation and lodging, evaluate other expenditures. Before traveling, create an itemized list of expected expenses for food, entertainment, fuel, and rideshare services. “Understanding how small travel costs accumulate can help you budget better,” an expert advises.

“Sometimes, unavoidable flight costs arise,” the expert adds. In such cases, look for alternatives to reduce trip expenses. “This could mean adjusting where you stay, dining out less frequently, or opting for bike rentals instead of rideshares.”

Don’t let holiday financial stress overwhelm you.