6 Thanksgiving travel tips that will save you money and time
The lightweight Antler Cyberlite bag at JCPenney.
By Aimee Heckel
Whether you’re headed home to visit family, or going on vacation while school’s out, the time around Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for travel.
Although many people believe the day before turkey day is the busiest travel day of the year, USA Today reports that a handful of weekends in the summer actually earn that title.
But Thanksgiving travel easily ranks in the top 10 worst travel days.
Here are some ways to save money, time and headaches if you plan on traveling this Thanksgiving.
1. Beware of surcharges. Some airlines charge a surcharge for Thanksgiving travel.
2. Plan for extreme traffic. Leave early and allow twice as much time as you think you will need to get to the airport. Or if you’re driving cross-country, expect the busier stretches of highway to be bumper to bumper. Leave a few days early, if possible, to avoid the rush. Pack snacks and meals in a cooler to minimize downtime at the busy rest stops and interstate cafes.
3. Consider shipping presents and even clothes rather than checking a bag. As crazy as it sounds, shipping your items via mail can be cheaper than checking luggage on some airlines. Then pick an airline that gives you free carry-on luggage and pack light.
4. Bring lightweight luggage, like the Antler Cyberlite 28-inch four-wheel bag, $380, at JCPenney. This upright bag expands, has lockable pockets and is solid enough to last. Find more than 50 JCP coupons online here. Plus get 4 percent Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com. Read more articles about saving money at JCPenney here.
5. Save money by being a savvy traveler. Use travel coupons on everything you can, from the airfare to the rental car to your hotel. Pair them with Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com to save even more.
6. Travel when no one else wants to. Fly Wednesday through Sunday for Thanksgiving. Look for red-eyes. Or if you can swing it, fly on Thanksgiving morning. You will be amazed by how much money and time you can save by simply changing your dates.
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