Why Tuesday is Your Secret Weapon for Holiday Deals
Understanding the Rise of Travel Tuesday
Many savvy shoppers might be looking forward to Black Friday and Cyber Monday to grab deals. Black Friday sales are due to kick off on November 28, with many companies already doing offers. Meanwhile, Cyber Monday typically closely follows and is set to take place on December 1. But for holidaymakers hoping to grab a bargain, Travel Tuesday might be the one to look out for.
Travel Tuesday first became a concept in 2017 after Flight Hopper identified a trend of travel companies releasing their best offers around the same time, according to Conde Nast Traveler. It has taken off around the world, with many hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies participating. Travel Tuesday will happen on December 2, right after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales have wound down.
For 24 hours, globetrotters will have the chance to bag travel bargains they wouldn't usually be able to. Whether it's a flight to New York, a fancy hotel stay in Italy or even a cruise - plenty of amazing deals tend to crop up on this day.
Travel Tuesday was partly formed because the week following on from American celebration Thanksgiving is notoriously slow for holiday-related bookings. According to Conde Nast Traveler, companies including Airbnb and Expedia participate. The deals go quickly, however, and its recommended to look early on in the day. Many offers have been snapped up by the evening.
Having a range of locations in mind can be handy, too. There might be a bargain for a destination that you hadn't considered before. It's also important to do research beforehand on the location and prices to ensure you're bagging a good deal.
Back in 2023, Hopper's consumer travel expert Lindsay Schwimer offered the Daily Mail some of her top bargain-hunting tips. She advised: "Being flexible on the destination will get you the best savings off future trips. Also, consider nearby airports when searching flights to score the best deals."
Tips for Booking Flights
When it comes to booking flights, Lindsay recommended opting for flights early in the day as these are less likely to be delayed or cancelled, which could result in unforeseen costs. She adds: "In fact, on average, flights departing after 9am were up to two times more likely to be delayed than those leaving between 5am and 8am. Cancellations are also typically highest at the end of the day, with over 3 per cent of flights cancelled on average between 5pm and 10pm last year. Flying earlier could help you to cut costs, as delays or cancellations often mean that you have fork out for airport food, hotels or even new flights."
Additional Insights for Bargain Hunters
Are Tuesday and Wednesday the ultimate days for bargain hunters looking to fly without breaking the bank? Can booking flights on Sunday really save you over 20% on airfare? Discover the best days to snag a bargain and why you should avoid Fridays!
Is affordability the secret reason why more people are booking dream vacations during Black Friday sales? See Skyscanner's tips for snagging the best deals!
Is 'Travel Tuesday' your secret weapon for last-minute holiday travel bargains?
The best-kept secret for affordable Christmas getaways: When should you really book flights to New York or Sydney to catch incredible deals?
