The holiday sales season is a high-value time to book travel—but it’s not just about luck. With a plan, you can take advantage of targeted discounts on flights, hotels, and cruises. Here’s a strategic approach to finding the best deals during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday.
Preparation before sale day
- Make a wishlist: list destinations, travel dates (flexible if possible), preferred airlines and hotel brands, and cabin/class preferences.
- Sign up for loyalty programs and newsletters—many sales are targeted at subscribers.
- Set price alerts on tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper so you spot dips immediately.
- Have your travel documents and payment methods ready for a quick checkout.
What to expect from each sale
- Black Friday: Deep discounts on packages, hotel stays, and flash sales from OTAs (online travel agencies). Expect heavy traffic and limited-quantity offers.
- Cyber Monday: Often rotates to flights and tech-related travel deals—useful for last-minute tech add-ons or booking tools.
- Travel Tuesday: Increasingly the day with focused travel deals—airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators may offer promos and credits.
Tactics for flights
- Use flexible date searches to find the cheapest day to fly around your target dates.
- Consider booking “error fares” quickly—use fare-tracking communities and act fast, but be aware of cancellation risk.
- Mix-and-match airlines or consider booking two one-way tickets to save money.
- Use points and miles to top off discounted fares for premium cabin upgrades.
Tactics for hotels and packages
- Look for packages that bundle flights and hotels—these can offer outsized savings.
- Check the fine print for blackout dates, resort fees, and cancellation policies.
- Use loyalty program portals during sales to stack member discounts.
- Consider refundable rates if your plans might shift; you can always rebook if a better deal appears.
Tactics for cruises
- Book early-departure cabins during sale windows—lines often discount cabins to fill sailings.
- Check onboard credit offers and included amenities (drinks, specialty dining) to maximize value.
- Consider repositioning cruises for lower prices and unique itineraries.
Pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Don’t chase a deal for its own sake—confirm dates, airport convenience, and cancellation policies.
- Be wary of hidden fees and strict nonrefundable terms unless you’re certain of travel plans.
- Confirm the name-change policy if booking for someone else or as a gift.
Post-sale follow-up
- After booking, confirm reservations, enter loyalty numbers, and double-check travel insurance options.
- Monitor prices—some providers allow reprice credits or price adjustments shortly after purchase.
Call to action
Heading into the sales this year? Drop your top destination or travel dates in the comments and I’ll flag likely deals and strategies you should watch for. Want a curated deal hunt? Book a deal-scouting session with Bouse Travel Advisors and let us do the heavy lifting.
