Many Americans leaving America for Thanksgiving

by Catherine Bodry on

Europe, not Grandma’s, is the big destination for Americans traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Reuters reports that “vacation starved” U.S. citizens are using this holiday as an opportunity to visit Europe and other destinations. Although Thanksgiving break is usually only a four-day weekend, workers can tack on a few extra leave days and get a full 10-day vacation, plenty of time for a transatlantic flight and to adjust to jet lag. Yes, the dollar is weak, but many bookings were made several months ago when the dollar was doing much better. Plus, the high number of overseas travelers “reflects the resiliency of U.S. consumers to shrug off a housing crisis, signs of a slowing economy, and the weak dollar.” I’ll say.

While Western-Europe bookings are up over 9 percent, Eastern European destinations saw the largest increase —
nearly 25 percent! This surge is likely due to the better exchange rate for dollars in Eastern Europe.

As for me, it’ll be turkey and cocktails in Alaska, as usual.

Travelling by air this Christmas? Some tips

by Martha Edwards on

I’m typically a homebody when it comes to Christmas, but with our family now scattered, I’m spending Christmas away from home for the first time since I was 11. I’m looking forward to it — sort of. We’re going somewhere warmer, where there’s a hot tub and skiing and lots of good food. But travelling around Christmas time when everyone else is in a mad rush to get to their family too? Ugh.

Here are a few tips for travelling this Christmas:

  • Bring your cell phone charger with you in your carry-on — that way, you’ll have it in case you’re stranded or delayed by poor weather.
  • Don’t pre-wrap Christmas gifts if you’re travelling by air — they’ll be un-wrapped by security.
  • Arrive for your flight on time. And expect to wait in line anyway.
  • Book early. If you haven’t do so already, do it now.
  • Don’t bring your car to the airport — it will be packed. Take a cab or public transportation instead.
  • If you do bring your car to the airport, pack some blankets and pillows in the trunk. If you end up spending the night at the airport, you’ll be set.
  • Consider flying on Christmas day. The flights will be much cheaper.

Save a couple of bucks and fly on the holiday

by Grant Martin on

Flying around Thanksgiving and Christmas is typically the most stressful time of the year to be in the skies, both because of the volume of people in the airports and the egregious ticket prices. Since demand is so high to travel over the days preceding and following the holiday, airlines can get away with robbery.

But loads (and demands) are less strenuous during the holidays themselves; people want to be home with their families over the duration and not stuck in some snowstorm in Chicago. So if you’re really tight on cash but want to get home at least for the day to see mom and dad, try flying the day OF Christmas or Thanksgiving instead of the day before.

Perfect example: I want to fly from O’hare to DC to see my estranged Uncle Barish and drop off his fruit cake. Flying from the 21st (Friday) to the 26th will cost 200$. But if I fly from the 24th to the 25th its 150$.

I know, flying for such a short duration is tough. But if you’re a broke college student (or need an excuse to get back to your friends at home), you can always save a couple of bucks this way.