If you want to travel for Memorial Day, start looking at airfare prices now. That’s the advice from AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters.
“It gives you more time to check around for different locations for where you want to go,” Waiters said. “It gives you more time to scout the prices, to see what's out there [and] what's gonna work best for you as an individual or as a family. So the earlier your book, the better prices you can get.”
According to a AAA press release, it is best to book a Memorial Day flight two weeks ahead of time.
Memorial Day is considered an off-peak day, which makes it one of the most inexpensive days for air travel.
Waiters suggested flying Sunday or the day of the holiday. Friday is considered the busiest day for travel and usually has increased flight prices.
“[Friday] can be the worst day to travel, especially when you're in an airport,” Waiters said. “Because if you're not dealing with the off-peak time, you're going to be dealing with the long lines. You have to get through security and so forth. It just makes everything a little bit more chaotic.”
Travel agents can also be a helpful tool to find deals for different locations and determine if various locations have COVID-19 restrictions in place.
Travel insurance has also become more popular following pandemic uncertainties.
“If you miss your trip, policies on reimbursement or non-refundable payments you would lose if you didn't have travel insurance,” Waiters said. “Looking at travel insurance, how would that protect you if you had a flight that was canceled or delayed? Will that travel insurance reimburse you for unexpected expenses, or food transportation, or a hotel? Those are things that folks need to keep in mind when they travel.”
If air travel is out of budget, another option is to drive to a vacation spot. However, it is essential to map out the most inexpensive gas stations ahead of time.
“Use those apps,” Waiters said. “[For] AAA, we have an app that can tell you what the local gas prices are in your area.”
Waiters also advises that families should eat on a budget as inflation continues to drive up food and hotel expenses.
“As opposed to the family going out to eat, maybe going to the grocery store and picking up a few things and cooking at the hotel,” Waiters said.
