While many bargain hunters have their sights set on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, savvy holidaymakers are marking a different date in their calendars: Travel Tuesday. This dedicated day for travel discounts offers a golden opportunity for globetrotters to secure incredible deals on everything from flights to luxury hotels.
What is Travel Tuesday and When is It?
Travel Tuesday is scheduled for December 2 this year, strategically placed after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales frenzy has subsided. The concept was first identified by Flight Hopper back in 2017, when a clear trend emerged of travel companies releasing their most competitive offers around this time. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, with numerous airlines, hotel chains, and other travel-related businesses actively participating.
How to Secure the Best Travel Tuesday Bargains
The window for these exclusive deals is notoriously short, typically lasting just 24 hours. Industry experts strongly recommend starting your search early in the day, as many of the most attractive offers are snapped up by evening. To maximise your chances, maintain flexibility with your destination and consider airports near your initial choice, as this can unlock significant savings.
Lindsay Schwimer, a consumer travel expert at Hopper, emphasised this point in previous advice to the Daily Mail. "Being flexible on the destination will get you the best savings off future trips," she advised. "Also, consider nearby airports when searching flights to score the best deals."
Expert Tips for Smart Travel Booking
Doing your research beforehand is crucial to ensure you are genuinely bagging a good deal. Compare standard prices for your desired locations so you can recognise a true bargain when you see one. When it comes to flights, Lindsay Schwimer recommends opting for departures early in the day.
"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," she notes. This proactive approach can help you avoid unforeseen costs associated with delays or cancellations, such as extra spending on airport food, hotels, or replacement flights.
Major players in the travel industry, including Expedia and Airbnb, are known to participate in Travel Tuesday. Whether you're dreaming of a flight to New York, a fancy hotel stay in Italy, or even a cruise, this is the day to make it happen without breaking the bank.
