PHOENIX, Ariz. — Booking flights, hotels, even preparing for a long drive can be a headache. So, if you're looking to save some cash, experts say you need to act fast.
Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, says you should start looking a month or two before you plan to travel.
She says while you may not purchase your trip right away, looking this far in advance makes it possible to see if prices are going up or down over time.
Palmer recommends using free tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track flight prices. Both sites allow you to set up alerts if a price drops.
In addition to looking early, Palmer says having flexibility with the days you travel could also save you money.
"A lot of people wanna fly out that Wednesday, so that Wednesday to Sunday round-trip is expensive," said Palmer.
To avoid those extra costs, Palmer says to try and fly back on Monday or Saturday.
The little things can help avoid a headache during the holidays. So, book your flights early.
Also, consider reserving airport parking and have a backup plan in case of delays and cancellations.