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Holiday travel in 2025 remains expensive, especially for a family. According to Edhat, the average domestic ticket runs about $830, while international flights can average $1,630 per person, not including add-ons such as checked baggage, seat selection, or airport parking. When multiplied by four, airfare alone can easily exceed $3,000.
Beyond tickets, extra costs pile up fast. Airport parking, rideshares, tolls, pet care, and terminal food often add hundreds more. However, early planning and a little strategy might help to offset some of these expenses.
Here are eight strategies to help make holiday travel in 2025 more affordable.
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While base fares may seem reasonable, airlines add $75–$125 per traveler for extras like checked bags, seat selection, and parking. According to Edhat, for a family of four, this can add $300–$500 to your total. Travel light or select airlines and credit cards that waive baggage fees.
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According to Travel + Leisure, the cheapest holiday tickets appear about 58 days before departure, and booking later can cost significantly more. Set fare alerts and purchase tickets before this window, if possible.
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Edhat estimates that driving costs about $0.70 per mile, including fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. A 500-mile round trip for four totals around $352, far less than airfare. Consider driving for trips under 600 miles and weigh hidden costs like traffic and overnight stays.
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Holiday searches are happening about 15 days earlier than in previous years, according to Economic Times. If you’re willing to wait, Yahoo Lifestyle claims departing on the holiday itself or a day before can save 15–30%.
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Traveling on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday generally costs less than weekends, according to experts at Travel + Leisure. It might be wise to avoid peak weekend travel in an effort to reduce airfare and airport congestion.
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NerdWallet recommends using airline miles or credit card points, even if redemption isn’t perfect, to offset holiday costs. Redeeming points for peak travel to reduce cash outlay, especially for a family, might be a game changer.
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Reader’s Digest notes that leaving a day earlier or later than peak dates can save up to 30% on airfare. Flexibility in travel dates can help to significantly reduce total costs for families. Google $GOOGL reports that flight search volume is up while supply is stable, providing opportunities for early-booking savings. Use Google Flights’ Date Grid and Price Graph to compare fares across multiple dates.
