Let’s be honest: festive season travel is always pricey, but this year it hits a little harder. Between rising fares and the cost of everything else creeping up, it can feel like you’re paying extra just to get to the holidays.

I don’t want you to skip the trip. I want you to stretch your dollar smartly and still have a vacation that feels good. Here are three ways to do it.

1. Use points and miles strategically (not impulsively).
This isn’t the time to burn through your points just because you have them. Holiday award seats are limited and often overpriced in miles. Instead, look for transfer bonuses, times when credit card programs like Amex or Chase give you 20–30% more value when you move points to partner airlines or hotels. Those bonuses can unlock premium cabins or better rooms for the same balance.

Also, don’t forget “mixed cash and points” options. Sometimes paying partially in miles plus a bit of cash stretches your stash further than a full redemption.

2. Stack the sales.
If you’re booking flights, hotels, or packages, layer discounts the way travel advisors do:

• Check credit card travel portals for exclusive rates or statement credits.
• Combine those with cash-back extensions like Rakuten or Capital One Shopping.
• Use airline or hotel sales (especially flash deals that drop midweek) with these extra savings.
• Use gift cards to pay for upgrades like a better seat or checked bags

Think of it like coupon stacking — a few small wins add up fast.

3. Shift your dates by a day or two.
This one’s sneaky but powerful. Flying out on December 23 vs. December 22 can swing hundreds of dollars. So can returning on January 2 instead of January 1.

If your schedule allows, use Google Flights’ calendar view to spot the cheaper combinations. Or try open-jaw tickets: flying into one airport and out of another nearby (like La Guardia in, JFK out). It’s a small change that can make a big dent in your total.

The holidays are meant for connection, not comparison shopping burnout. With a little timing and strategy, you can spend less on logistics and more on moments that actually matter.

Remember, this should feel easy.