Hi,

We have enjoyed listening to [you] on satellite and have taken much of [your] advice.

Would you please address the issue of Christmas travel: when to book, where to look — are there any bargains left?

Those of us with college children only have this time for a vacation, but are already paying college tuitions, so cost is a factor. Any help [you] can give would be appreciated.

Thanks.

-Lisa T
Dear Lisa,

You are not alone. During tough high seasons: spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and of course, summer months, there are few discounts — the explanation being the age old economics of supply and demand.

The way around this is actually a simple one if you can plan ahead: think alternate airports and cities, and flights with intermediate stops in hub cities en route. And if that doesn’t work, go to plan C: whether you have young children in school or they’re in college, figure out ahead of time if they can take exams a week earlier, or get extra credit for doing an assignment during a trip, and leave early on your trip. Outside of that terrible blackout period when airfares skyrocket, the savings can be staggering on both airfares and hotel rates, and the crowds at the airport more manageable.

Good luck!

Best,

Peter Greenberg

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To learn more about traveling on a budget, check out “The High Season Discount”.

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