Despite the recent swell of intense summer heat, we are steadily approaching autumn, accompanied by the greatly anticipated holiday season.
Crimson apples enrobed in chewy caramel. Wet stockings set to dry beside a blazing fire. Foggy, grey days and golden leaves crackling underfoot—these are the images that, for me, are evoked by the holidays. For others however, this time of year may also herald emotions of acute anxiety. There are those who luxuriate in staying put to visit family and check off to-do lists—but there are also those who travel a great distance to “go home for the holidays,” or simply ache to “get away from it all,” as far away as possible.
For these folks, the traditional travel spike during Thanksgiving and Christmas may prove to be a mightier roadblock than anticipated, as questions and uncertainties abound.
“Should I book tickets now, or wait for last-minute deals?” “Which airline will be most lenient about flight-change fees? “What’s the best day to fly out for Thanksgiving/Christmas?” And my personal favorite: “50 bucks for an extra carry-on luggage?!”
The best way to combat holiday-induced stress is to, first and foremost, begin EARLY when searching for cheap ticket prices. Remember to compare with different airlines, make quick decisions when regarding sales, and look for alternate travel dates if possible (USAToday). Also, don’t forget to check for lower prices even after you’ve booked your ticket. Oftentimes, the price of a flight may drop after a few days, and it’s possible to get the difference refunded—a commodity offered by Alaska, JetBlue, and Southwest.
The good news? Airfare has decreased considerably from last year. According to MarketWatch, $327 is the national median for a roundtrip ticket during Thanksgiving; this is down 20% from 2008, said Bing Travel.
Personally, I’m finding it enough hassle to make the 2-hour drive down South to San Diego—a trip I’ve been dying to make for the past 2 months.
To be honest, I am quite satisfied with flying out just once—in the middle of December—and staying in sunny Southern California for the remainder of the year. I’ve never had a high tolerance for frigid weather, anyway. Snowboarding on artificial snow in 65 degree weather, here I come!
If you’re not one for staying at home much, however, I leave you with the “Top 5 Off-Peak Destinations for Fall 2009” (USAToday). Enjoy!
By Tiffany Sun
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