How to Plan a December Vacation + Booking Tips & Travel Hacks
- Kari Lynn
- Nov 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Planning a vacation in December offers the chance to explore festive destinations, enjoy winter wonderlands, or escape to warm, sunny retreats. However, traveling during this popular holiday season can be challenging with higher prices, busy airports, and limited availability. With a bit of strategy and preparation, you can secure the best deals and create a stress-free vacation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential booking tips and travel hacks to help you plan your perfect December getaway.
1. Choose the Right Destination for Your Travel Style
Your first step is deciding what kind of vacation you want: a snowy holiday experience, a tropical escape, or a vibrant city break. December offers a variety of travel options.
Popular December Destinations
• Winter Wonderland: Aspen (Colorado), Banff (Canada), or the Swiss Alps for skiing and snow activities
• Warm Escapes: Caribbean Islands, Cancun (Mexico), or Florida Keys
• Festive City Breaks: New York City, Vienna, or London to experience holiday markets and decorations
Travel Hack: Consider off-the-radar destinations to avoid crowds and enjoy better prices—places like Slovenia, Nicaragua, or the Azores may offer hidden gems at a fraction of the price.
2. Book Flights Early to Secure the Best Deals
Airfare prices skyrocket during the holiday season, so booking flights as early as possible (ideally 2-3 months in advance) is key to getting reasonable rates.
Booking Tips:
• Flexible Dates: Use flight search tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to find cheaper flights by being flexible with your travel dates.
• Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer cheaper flights compared to weekends.
• Consider Nearby Airports: Search for flights from secondary airports, which can offer significant savings.
• Use Fare Alerts: Set price alerts to monitor fluctuations and grab deals when prices drop.
Travel Hack: If your plans are flexible, consider flying on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve—these days often have lower demand and better prices.
3. Book Accommodations Strategically
Hotels and vacation rentals fill up quickly in December, especially in popular destinations. Booking early ensures you get the best options at reasonable rates.
Booking Tips:
• Check Cancellation Policies: Book accommodations with free cancellation so you can switch to a better deal if one appears.
• Bundle with Flights: Look for flight-and-hotel packages, which can offer savings on both.
• Consider Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo may offer more space and amenities at a lower cost, especially for group travel.
• Stay Outside City Centers: Lodging slightly outside the main tourist areas can save you money while still offering easy access to attractions.
Travel Hack: If traveling to ski resorts, book lodging at smaller nearby towns—you’ll enjoy lower prices without sacrificing access to the slopes.
4. Plan for Holiday Crowds and Peak Travel Times
With December being a busy travel month, you’ll need to prepare for crowds at airports, attractions, and transportation hubs.
Travel Tips:
• Arrive Early at Airports: Plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 4 hours before international flights to account for long lines.
• Skip the Lines: Purchase attraction tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
• Use Airport Lounges: If you have a long layover, airport lounges can offer food, drinks, and a quiet space to relax.
Travel Hack: Use TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry to breeze through security and immigration lines. Getting TSA Precheck was so simple. We save so much time at the airport having it.
TSA Precheck - https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
5. Leverage Travel Credit Cards and Loyalty Programs
Using the right travel credit card can unlock benefits like discounts, upgrades, and travel insurance.
Tips to Maximize Rewards:
• Redeem Miles or Points: Use accumulated airline miles or credit card points to save on flights or accommodations. We use our Delta AMEX for all our purchases so we accumulate points to use for travel.
• Travel Insurance Benefits: Many travel credit cards offer built-in insurance, protecting you against cancellations or lost baggage.
• Loyalty Programs: Sign up for airline or hotel loyalty programs to earn points on your trip and access perks like free Wi-Fi or late checkouts.
Travel Hack: Some credit cards offer free access to airport lounges, which can make your holiday travel much more comfortable.
6. Pack Smart for Your December Vacation
Packing for a December trip requires some extra thought—especially if you’re traveling to destinations with colder climates or multiple weather conditions.
Packing Tips:
• Layering is Key: If traveling to a cold destination, pack lightweight layers to stay warm without overloading your luggage.
• Universal Adapters and Portable Chargers: Essential for international trips to keep your devices powered up.
• Gifts and Souvenirs: If traveling with holiday gifts, consider shipping them directly to your destination to avoid checked luggage fees.
• Winter Essentials: Don’t forget gloves, scarves, and insulated boots if heading to snowy regions.
Travel Hack: Use vacuum-sealed bags to compress bulky winter clothing and save space in your luggage.
Vacuum Bags - https://amzn.to/48rTQR4
7. Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is especially important for December vacations, given the increased risk of flight cancellations and weather disruptions.
What to Look for in a Policy:
• Flight Cancellations or Delays: Coverage for rescheduling costs or refunds if flights are disrupted.
• Medical Coverage: Essential for international trips in case of illness or injury abroad.
• Lost or Delayed Baggage: Reimbursement for essentials if your luggage is delayed.
Travel Hack: If you have a travel credit card, check if it offers built-in trip protection before purchasing additional insurance.
8. Budget Wisely and Plan for Extra Costs
December travel can get expensive, so it’s important to budget for extras like holiday meals, tips, and attraction fees.
Money-Saving Tips:
• Set a Daily Budget: Track your expenses to avoid overspending.
• Look for Free Activities: Many cities offer free holiday events, light displays, or outdoor markets in December.
• Use Public Transportation: Instead of renting a car, explore with local transit or rideshare services to save money.
Travel Hack: Download local apps or city passes that offer discounts on transportation and attractions.
9. Prepare for Weather-Related Delays
December brings unpredictable weather in many parts of the world, so it’s wise to build flexibility into your plans.
Tips to Stay Ahead:
• Monitor Weather Reports: Keep an eye on weather forecasts leading up to your trip.
• Build in Extra Travel Time: Leave a buffer day between flights and events to avoid missing anything due to delays.
• Pack Snacks and Essentials: If stuck at the airport, having food and entertainment can make long waits more bearable.
Travel Hack: Follow airlines on social media—many post real-time updates and allow you to rebook through DMs faster than calling customer service.
10. Embrace the Holiday Spirit Wherever You Go
No matter where you travel, December offers the chance to experience local traditions, festive decorations, and holiday cheer.
Festive Experiences to Try:
• Holiday Markets: Explore charming markets in Europe or local Christmas fairs in U.S. cities.
• Seasonal Foods: Try regional holiday specialties, from roasted chestnuts to eggnog cocktails.
• Winter Festivals: Attend ice festivals or New Year’s celebrations for unique cultural experiences.
Travel Hack: If visiting a new city, join a holiday-themed walking tour to discover hidden gems and learn about local traditions.
Planning a December vacation takes a bit of strategy, but the rewards are worth it. With the right booking techniques and travel hacks, you can avoid the stress, enjoy festive experiences, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re hitting the ski slopes, relaxing on a tropical beach, or exploring a bustling city, December offers endless travel opportunities.
So start planning now, pack your bags, and get ready to embrace the magic of the holiday season—wherever your journey takes you!
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