Darren Wittko 10/3/20 Darren Wittko 10/3/20

5 Tips for Making Holiday Travel Plans This Year

5 Tips for Making Holiday Travel Plans

More and more people are beginning to venture out in need of a little vacation fun. I’m noticing that the trend for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando is for shorter vacations, 3 or 4 nights, mid-week. There is a slight uptick in Universal Orlando travel and I suspect this is because it isn’t as complex as Disney World. 2 or 3 days in the Universal parks is just the right amount of time to see and do it all. But Disney is still a great choice, too, as it is planning on going all out with the decorations plus some special entertainment. Plus, with lighter crowds, it won’t take as long to tour the Disney parks.

No matter where you are thinking of going, here are 5 tips that can help you make smart decisions about traveling this holiday season.

1. Look for fares or rates with built-in flexibility.

Many travel providers and destinations are changing up their policies. Make note of any deadlines to cancel for a full refund, and avoid any super restrictive airfares that prohibit changes. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are allowing guests to cancel up to the day of arrival for a full refund through December.

2. Start watching airfare prices now.

I just paid $100 roundtrip for a jetBlue flight during Christmas week. Now is the time to check for cheap holiday airfares as many airlines try to entice travelers into planning a trip. Historically speaking, fares increase as the holidays get closer, so it's worth booking a refundable/flexible ticket early if the price is right for you. Some airlines are offering refundable tickets at no extra charge. Set up fare alerts with your airline or through Google Flights so that you’re immediately notified when fares drop. Also, being flexible with your travel dates will help ensure you don't miss a great deal. Visit my airline page for more helpful tips on how to save on Orlando flights.

3. Research health and cleanliness measures.

Want to know what your hotel is doing to ensure the safety of guests? Visit the hotel website or call the destination directly if you have a specific question. Most reputable airlines, destinations, and hotels are taking COVID very seriously and have a plan in place. Walt Disney World has created a dedicated website that is constantly updated with the latest information. Universal Orlando created a Safety FAQ page on its website.

4. Factor in the popularity of your destination.

While there might be fewer holiday travelers this year, some destinations—particularly beaches and ski resorts—are expected to be in-demand as travelers opt to stay closer to home. So, if you're headed somewhere like Florida, Vermont, or Vail, now is the time to book. Remember to look for fares or rates with built-in flexibility (see Tip 1).

5. Consider alternate travel dates.

One upside to remote work and/or school is that you can do it from anywhere. Take advantage of the flexibility and avoid the typical busy travel days (like the day before Thanksgiving) or stay at your destination longer than usual to maximize your trip. Crowds are super light at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando right now thanks to reduced capacity, especially during the week. This is a very rare opportunity to enjoy the parks with fewer people and shorter lines.

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