DENVER (KDVR) — The end of the calendar year is jam-packed with holidays. This usually means people are eager to reconnect with family during the season and it can take a lot of incoming and outgoings to reach home or to escape for a vacation.
In a survey conducted by AAA about 55% of Coloradans plan on making an overnight stay on a trip during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
Of that 55% around 40% have already sorted out their traveling situation before September. Nearly half of those traveling will have booked their trip between September and October. A very small percentage of people will wait until the later months with 7% booking in November and 5% booking in December.
“With red-hot travel demand, there’s no such thing as a last-minute deal,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA, in a release. “To get the best value, with the most options, you’ll want to book before October. Wait too long, and not only will you pay for the privilege, you’ll be forced to take what you can get.”
Thanksgiving
The survey reports that 67% of Coloradans traveling will be spending at least one night on their trip for Thanksgiving. An estimated 60% of those travelers will have finalized their travel plans before October begins.
Christmas
About 77% of Coloradan travelers planned to stay at least one night on their trip for Christmas. Only 12% of them will wait until December to book. Early birds make up 15% of the total bookies and were already set in August or earlier. The remaining amount of travelers are booking 30% in September, 21% in November and 20% in October.
AAA’s tips for booking
Book early: Booking early allows for the greatest combination of price and availability. Desirable nonstop flights are usually the first flights that get occupied and are first come first serve.
Book morning flights: Morning flights are the least likely to face delays or cancellations due to weather or other factors.
Give yourself some time: If it is possible allow a day or two for a bumper while traveling in the event of severe delays or cancellations.
Connected flights: Try to get a few hours to spare in between connecting flights to help minimize the possibility of missing the second flight due to delays.
Pack light: Checked bags have a higher risk of being lost or causing delays in your day. Packing for carry-ons only is a good way to get ahead of the game.
Prepare for the weather: The winter holidays inevitably come with winter weather. Try your best to plan around it and always consider it as a possibility in your trip.
The holiday season can be chaotic in itself, add in traveling, and a whole new element of craziness is thrown on top. It is important to plan effectively and pursue the best travel blueprint for yourself to maximize your time during the holidays.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)