Beat the Holiday Chaos: These Are the Best Days to Travel Around Christmas
Traveling during Christmas can be a whirlwind of crowds, long lines, and high prices. But with a bit of planning and strategic timing, you can navigate the holiday chaos and even save some money. Here’s an expanded guide to finding the best days to travel during the holiday season.
Best Strategies for Christmas Travel
When it comes to saving money and avoiding the worst crowds, you have two main options: fly on the holiday itself or extend your trip by leaving earlier and returning later.
1. Travel on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
If you don’t mind spending part of your holiday in the air, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are historically the least crowded days to fly. NerdWallet analyzed three years of TSA data and found that the number of passengers flying on these dates is significantly lower than during the rest of the holiday season.
For example, in 2023, 31% more people flew the day after Christmas compared to Christmas Day itself. Choosing to fly on December 24 or 25 not only means smaller crowds but often lower prices.
2. Depart Early and Return Late
If flying on the holiday isn’t feasible, adjust your schedule by leaving several days before Christmas and returning well after. According to TSA data, the least crowded days before Christmas are typically December 18 and 19. On the return trip, New Year’s Eve (December 31) and New Year’s Day (January 1) tend to have lighter crowds.
With Christmas 2024 falling on a Wednesday, travelers with flexible work arrangements can avoid the busiest periods by extending their travel plans through the end of the week. Working remotely or taking extra days off can save you both money and stress.
The Most Crowded Days to Fly Around Christmas
Certain days around Christmas are notorious for heavy crowds and high prices. The weekend before Christmas—Friday, December 20, to Sunday, December 22—is when most people will be heading to their destinations. In 2023, Friday, December 22, was the busiest travel day of the week, with 2.8 million people passing through TSA checkpoints.
The rush doesn’t end after Christmas either. December 26, the day after Christmas, is typically one of the most expensive and crowded days to fly. According to Expedia’s 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook, this trend will continue, with airports remaining packed through December 29 as travelers return home or head out for New Year’s celebrations.
Is Driving a Better Option for Christmas?
For those debating whether to drive instead of fly, the choice depends on factors like the distance to your destination, the number of passengers, and how much luggage (or presents) you’ll need to pack.
The good news is that rental car prices are down 7% compared to 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This makes road-tripping a more affordable option if you need a vehicle. However, be mindful of traffic patterns—Google Maps data indicates that peak traffic hours on the days leading up to Christmas are typically between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re driving, aim to hit the road outside of these times to avoid delays.
Tips for Booking Holiday Travel
- Fly Early: The earlier in the holiday season you travel, the better. Crowds tend to thin out the farther you are from December 25, making flights on December 18 or 19 a good choice if your schedule allows.
- Consider Flying on the Holiday: Traveling on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day not only reduces crowd-related stress but may also save you money. These days are historically less busy, providing a smoother experience at the airport.
- Adjust Your Celebration: If visiting family or friends on Christmas isn’t mandatory, consider celebrating a few weeks later. January and February are among the cheapest months to fly, offering significant savings if you can delay your trip.
- Book Strategically: Even slight adjustments to your itinerary can have a big impact on cost. Use flexible search tools like Google Flights or Hopper to compare prices for different days.
- Pack Light: If you’re flying, avoid the added cost of checked bags by packing carry-ons. This is especially helpful for holiday travel when airports are crowded and luggage handling can be slower.
Conclusion
Christmas travel doesn’t have to be a headache. By planning ahead, choosing the right travel days, and being flexible with your itinerary, you can save money and avoid the worst of the holiday crowds. Whether you’re flying on Christmas morning or driving on quieter days, these strategies will help you navigate the season with ease. Happy holidays and safe travels!
