Travel Tuesday is a pretty recent phenomenon that joined Black Friday and Cyber Monday as part of holy trinity of deals and shopping sprees. Sure, it all might look like a purely commercial event, but it can also be your chance to snag pretty good discounts. If you’re willing to do your homework first, that is! Don’t worry, we’re here to help. These are just a few tips for finding good Travel Tuesday deals on flights, hotels, cars, attractions, and more!

Research Prices Ahead of Time

There’s an old trick in retail in which stores jack up their prices just before a sale. It makes their discounts look steeper and their products more expensive — therefore, more valuable — than they actually are.

Airlines and travel sites use this trick, too. They can also create a false sense of artificial urgency by employing tricks like countdown timers. Another common tactic is to use language that suggests the sale is “wild,” “unbelievable,” “too good to be true,” or even “a gift to you,” further reinforcing the idea that the deal is something you wouldn’t normally receive, so you have to grab it while you can.

Don’t let companies pull the wool over your eyes. Earlier in November, research prices in advance so that you can see the cold hard numbers and not the razzle dazzle of travel marketing!

Stick to Brands You Trust!

This is no time to try out some fly-by-night app or trendy new website. Stick to brands that you know and trust. This is particularly important in a world where anyone can create a travel app or rent out their home Airbnb-style. So be sure to do some poking around for reviews. Good keywords include the name of the business plus “reviews,” “scam,” and “legit.” It should pull up everything from news articles to third-party review sites.

If the business has been in trouble, it could also show up on their Better Business Bureau page. Another important thing is making sure that the reviews come from real people. Look for ones with photos or that link back to verified profiles or social media accounts. Don’t trust a random, anonymous review that could’ve been planted by the company itself. It wouldn’t be the first time!

Be Flexible With Your Dates — and Destinations

Flexibility can be one of the best ways to save money on Travel Tuesday. If you’re locked into a certain date, you’ll be prone to accept whatever prices come with that date. That’s why, if you happen to have a little wiggle room, try to compare and contrast prices for multiple travel itineraries. just one day before or after can make a huge difference in your final price.

Another thing to consider is switching up your destination. Even if you have your heart set on a specific city, you might be able to find better deals if you expand your search to airports that are one or two hours away. This goes for flights, hotels, and more, so don’t be afraid of widen your choices!

Read the Fine Print!

As with any contract, the fine print of travel deals can sometimes come back to bite you. For example, there might be hidden fees or blackout dates that won’t allow you to earn any of your well-deserved reward points. There could also be hoops that you’ll need to jump through for making reservations, claiming rebates, or securing certain amenities.

Travel Tuesday isn’t the only time when companies will try to sneak things past your radar. But, since the day is largely fueled by fear of missing out — the dreaded FOMO — they’re counting on you not being as cautious as you usually would be. And, many times, they succeed. Don’t let them.

You may also like: How to Book Holiday Flights on Cyber Monday

Consider One-Way Flights, Layovers, and Multiple Airlines

Rather than looking exclusively for round-trip tickets, consider booking a one-way flight each way. Sometimes, it can be less expensive to book two one-way flights rather than a single round trip. Also, be open to a layover or two. Sure, nonstop flights are nice and all, but their convenience isn’t always worth their price tag. You can really save money if you’re willing to spend a little time at another airport before your reach your final destination.

Another trick is to book different legs of your journey with multiple airlines. This will allow you to mix and match your flights in a way that maximizes your savings. By doing this, you can choose the cheapest options every step of the way!

Other Tips

Set Price Alerts: Subscribe to price alerts from various travel booking websites. They’ll notify you when there’s a drop in prices for the flights or accommodations you’re interested in. This way, even before Travel Tuesday, you’ll have an idea of the usual prices and can easily spot a real deal.

Use Loyalty Points or Miles: Travel Tuesday might be the perfect time to redeem any accumulated points or miles. Some airlines or hotel chains might even offer bonuses or discounts when using points on these special sale days.

Book a Package: Sometimes, bundling services (like flight + hotel) can be cheaper than booking them separately. Check out package deals offered by travel agencies or websites. These packages might also come with added benefits like free breakfast or shuttle services.

Check Alternative Accommodations: Hotels aren’t the only places to stay. Consider checking out hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals for potentially cheaper rates. Some people even opt for capsule hotels or pod accommodations in certain cities!

Avoid Peak Times: Even on Travel Tuesday, prices for traveling during peak times like Christmas, New Year’s, or school vacation periods might be higher. If possible, look for deals during the shoulder season or off-peak times.

Use Incognito Mode: When searching for deals, use your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode. Some observers claim that websites track your searches and might raise prices based on your browsing history. Others claim the evidence for this practice is anecdotal at best. Still, it couldn’t hurt.

Consider Travel Insurance: With all these deals, there might be stricter cancellation policies. It’s wise to invest in travel insurance that covers any unexpected changes in plans, ensuring that you won’t lose all your money if something unforeseen happens.

Join Online Travel Communities: Join travel forums or Facebook groups where members share the latest deals, discounts, or promo codes. Some of these communities have members who are avid deal hunters, and they might stumble upon an exclusive or hidden deal that you might miss.

Remember, it’s essential to find a balance between getting a good deal and ensuring your trip is comfortable and aligns with your preferences. Sometimes, paying a bit more for convenience is worth it in the long run! Safe travels!

FAQs: 

Q: When exactly is Travel Tuesday?
A: Travel Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Q: Are Travel Tuesday deals available internationally or just in the U.S.?
A: While originating in the U.S., Travel Tuesday deals have been adopted by international airlines and travel agencies, making offers available globally.

Q: Do travel deal prices change throughout the day?
A: Yes, prices can fluctuate based on demand, availability, and ongoing promotions. It’s wise to monitor and book when you find a favorable rate.

Q: Can I combine Travel Tuesday deals with other promotions or coupons?
A: This varies by provider. Some may allow combining deals, while others might restrict usage to only one promotion at a time.

Q: What if I need to cancel my Travel Tuesday booking?
A: Check the cancellation policy before booking. Some deals may have stricter non-refundable terms due to their discounted nature.

Q: How can I ensure my online payment is secure during high-traffic sale days?
A: Always book through reputable sites, look for “https://” in the URL, and avoid using public Wi-Fi when making transactions.

Q: Are there mobile apps that specialize in Travel Tuesday deals?
A: Yes, many travel booking apps offer exclusive deals and notifications for Travel Tuesday, so it’s beneficial to have some popular ones installed.

Do you have any Travel Tuesday tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!