Travel News

Ask Peter: Holiday 2012 Flights & Budget Airfare Tips

Locations in this article:  Barcelona, Spain London, England Miami, FL Orlando, FL San Francisco, CA

Jeanie asked: When is the best time to book on Southwest airlines for a January 1 departure. Last year I booked from Albany to Orlando and then I noticed that the price went down.

Peter replied: You never want to book more than 45 days out.  This year it is better to book sooner, almost 65 days out for holiday travel, However, you are in a very grey area for January 1. If you really want to fly on the first, you are in luck since most people are recovering from New Year’s Eve that day and fares are low. November 10 – 15 is the optimum booking window.

For more information on travel timing, find out How to Save Money with Off Peak Travel.

Carol in Raleigh: I’m planning to go to the Maui and Kona in May of 2013.  What is the best strategy for find the best airfare? How can I find the best rental car rate?

Peter: Yes, you are way to early to consider booking now but there are a few things you should keep in mind.  Your email mentions traveling from Raleigh to San Francisco to Maui, Kona and back to Raleigh. I assume you are booking in that manner because you want to stop in all of those places.  If you are looking to stay in San Francisco, you are going to pay through the roof when booking one ticket. Instead, it might be better to book two tickets. Raleigh to San Francisco then San Francisco to Hawaii.

If you’re looking for a car deal, you should talk to your hotel. Your hotel might throw in car as a package deal with your room. Or you can consider booking a package deal through Expedia or one of their other online providers.  You can also wait until it’s closer to your departure to book your car too.

For Hawaii travel, check out our complete Hawaii archives.

By Peter Greenberg for Peter Greenberg Worldwide