How to Survive Last-Minute Holiday Travel

Image: PHOTO: It's not too late to spend Christmas at the beach. (photo via Pixabay)
Image: PHOTO: It's not too late to spend Christmas at the beach. (photo via Pixabay)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Sat December 23, 2017

The holiday season is here, and everyone is leaving town. But you.

If you have just caught the travel bug, however, it is not too late.

Hotwire has some tips on how to save and book last-minute holiday travel so that the procrastinators and spontaneous people of the world can go home, visit loved ones or just plain get away from it all for the holidays.

By Air

For those looking to book plane tickets, Hotwire recommends taking a cheaper flight to a less expensive airport and then driving the rest of the way to your destination.

Try not to book flights at the end of the day. Flight delays and cancelations are often due to weather, and flying in the morning means less chance of missing your plane but more opportunity to get on the next flight if the worst happens.

By Car

If you are having trouble getting a rental car over the holidays, look to the airport. Hotwire notes that, while driving all the way to the airport can be a pain, they have larger fleets of cars, and travelers can sometimes score a better deal last-minute.

Hotwire also points out that renting a car can be cheaper than Uber or taxi rides. If you have to take two or three rides in one day, you can easily burn through the $20 or $30 per day you would have spent on a rental car fee.

A car also gives travelers more freedom to explore their destinations-or to escape the in-laws.

At a Hotel

Hotwire notes that, using its app, travelers who wait until the last minute and book properties the day they land in their destination can often score some of the lowest rates.

If you are traveling with family or to see family, don't be afraid to book a hotel room. Having enough space-and your own space-is key to enjoying time with relatives.

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Janeen Christoff

Janeen Christoff

Managing Editor, Custom Content

Janeen Christoff caught the travel bug while living in London, England. After two years on the road, she settled in Los Angeles...

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