It’s Not Too Late to Plan a Last-Minute Holiday Getaway—Here’s How to Do It on the Cheap

Traveling for the holidays can be a great way to escape the cold … or a little family drama. Or maybe you’re dreaming of giving an experiential gift to a partner or your family. However, you know time is running out to plan a getaway, and prices seem to be on a tear in a thoroughly bah-humbug direction, so you’re concerned you won’t be able to pull it off this year.

It’s not your imagination: Flight and hotel prices are steeper. According to Priceline’s 2025 holiday-travel snapshot, the cost of plane tickets and hotel rooms across the United States have been climbing as we head into the peak season. Domestic airfare over Christmastime (Dec. 19 to Dec. 28) is averaging a hefty $414, up 2%. New Year’s flight data (Dec. 27 to Jan. 4) is showing an even steeper increase at $428, a 9% jump. Hotels are pricier during the same time frame too. U.S. rates have climbed 12% to $188 during Christmas week, and up 7% to $229 over the pre- and post-New Year’s timeframe.

Before you call us Grinches for confirming what you already suspected, know that there are still plenty of ways to get out of town before the year ends and avoid going into debt. Laura Lindsay, a global travel trends expert at the travel search engine Skyscanner, says that 2026 already is shaping up to be the year for budget-savvy travel—and the opportunities to save are already here. “With a cost-conscious mindset and more tools at their fingertips, travelers can maximize their budgets while still visiting the destinations they love,” she says.

Christina Bennet, Priceline’s consumer travel trends expert, agrees. Her top recommendation for finding great deals comes down to one key piece of advice: Be flexible.

Read on for four travel pros’ smartest tips and tricks for planning and pulling off the ultimate last-minute holiday getaway—that won’t break the bank.

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Take the road less traveled

Vacationing in smaller, less-traveled destinations can often yield the best deals, especially compared to big cities. According to Lindsay, flight trends for December show that the most affordable U.S. destinations include Memphis, Tennessee (-29%); Key West, Florida (-13%); and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (-14%). “If you’re flexible on the destination, you can score a great deal on airfare and discover a new city, even during the peak holiday travel season,” she says.

Travel on Christmas Day

Because some dates are far more popular than others, prices can swing wildly, so it pays to check multiple travel dates. Skyscanner’s “month view” feature allows you to see if there’s a bargain to be had by flying out a few days early or staying in your destination a little longer. “Airfare is based on supply and demand, and on Christmas Day, demand tends to be lower, as fewer people want to travel,” Lindsay explains. “That can lead to lower fares.”

Bennet from Priceline notes the same pattern. The days leading up to Christmas are typically the priciest, while the holiday itself can provide significant savings for flexible travelers who don’t mind traveling that day. She also suggests keeping an eye on flights scheduled for the middle of the week. “Traveling midweek or on off-peak days can yield significant savings on both airfare and hotels, which can really add up, especially for families who need to purchase multiple tickets and/or rooms,” she says.

Check all area airports, not just your preferred hub

A lot of people have a favorite departure airport—I’m now partial to LaGuardia in New York—but to save on last-minute travel, it’s wise to look further afield, even if it’s not in your immediate area. “Searching by ‘nearby airports’ will give you the best chance of securing cheaper flights,” Skyscanner’s Lindsay says. “Driving a little bit further to a nearby airport could mean a more direct flight or better prices.”

The same can be said for your destination. For example, if you can fly to an airport a little further from Rome, Italy, such as Naples or Pescara, and travel via public transportation or a rental car, you might save money.

Mix it up

Sometimes it pays not to be loyal. “Mix and matching the airlines you choose to fly with can seriously cut costs,” Lindsay says, who adds that fares don’t need to be booked round-trip. “Look at flying out with one airline and back with another to save money—also called an ‘open jaw’ flight.”

You could also consider an opaque flight deal, such as Priceline’s Express Deals. You can enter your travel criteria, from destination to time of day, and select a flight on an undisclosed carrier for up to 50% off. Once you book the deal, the exact airline and full flight details are revealed.

Check for last-minute hotel and package deals

Hotels and tour operators often roll out last-minute specials to entice travelers, even during the busy holiday season. IHG Hotels & Resorts, for instance, recently launched limited-time packages at select properties, including the Kimpton Hotel Theta in New York City, offering up to 25% off. The secret? You must book online at ihg.com/takethevacation, then, upon check-in, share the password “Book it already!” to receive a special welcome gift. The rate is valid when reservations are made before Feb. 10, 2026, for stays through November 2026.

Tour operators like to give the gift of great travel for less, as well. Exodus Adventure Travels offers a wide range of last-minute discounted packages. Recent examples include an eight-day, 20%-off premium snowshoeing adventure through Italy’s Dolomites, departing Dec. 20, and an Arctic Circle aurora experience in Sweden, leaving Dec. 28.

Look for last-minute home-rental deals

You may not be the only one looking to escape town over the holidays: Homeowners may be hoping to rent out their properties. So it’s worth checking out last-minute home-rental deals. You’ll often find the best last-minute deals on the popular platform Whimstay. It has a number of the same property listings—from Palm Springs and Nashville to London or even Tuscany—that you’ll find on Airbnb, but for up to 40% off when booking within 30 days.

Going standby for cruises can work just as well as flying

For travelers who live near a cruise port, flexibility can unlock truly impressive savings. Holland America Line’s Standby Program, for example, notifies travelers located near homeport cities like San Diego, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boston or Seattle if a cabin opens up just days before sailing.

Dan Rough, Holland America Line vice president of revenue management, points out that it’s a unique way to enjoy a premium cruise experience for a fraction of the usual price, sometimes as low as $99 per day. “Embracing the last-minute nature of standby can lead to unbeatable fares and turn a busy season into a truly memorable vacation,” he says.

It’s an appealing trade-off for many. A recent company survey found that more than 8 in 10 Americans who typically host for the holidays would gladly swap the stress for a getaway, and 66% would even pay extra to skip the cooking, cleaning and coordination. “With standby-eligible cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico over the holidays, guests can enjoy leisurely travel and celebrate the holidays at sea,” Rough says.

Use your points, and not just for flights

Dan Fitzgerald, complex commercial director of Conrad Punta de Mita and Hilton Los Cabos, says travelers commonly overlook how valuable hotel points can be during this time of year. “Often, travelers assume their credit card and brand loyalty points can’t be redeemed over the holidays,” he says. “The great news is that marquee luxury resorts, including Conrad Punta de Mita, do release festive dates for points stays.”

He adds that shifting your trip to just after January, especially the Jan. 5 to Jan. 15 shoulder-season window, can unlock lower rates and much better upgrade potential as demand tapers off. And if you’re traveling with a family or large group, consider booking a suite or villa instead of making multiple room reservations.” The reason? One large accommodation rather than two or three separate peak-date reservations often ends up significantly reducing the cost per traveler.

Book a staycation or stick close to home

If you can’t—or don’t want to—fly this season, a budget-friendly staycation or close-to-home getaway can still feel festive and restorative without commanding a high holiday price tag.

If you’re staying put in your own city, Priceline’s Bennet suggests choosing a neighborhood you rarely visit to help the experience feel fresh. “I would also prioritize hotels that include value-add amenities such as parking, free breakfast and late checkout to help keep the overall cost down.”

And regardless of where you stay, build in a few anchor activities, like attending a free local event or finally dining at that restaurant you’ve been eyeing. “Doing these things will keep spending controlled while still delivering an experience that feels intentional and special,” Bennet says.

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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece, Aaron Rasmussen tapped his experience as a longtime travel writer and travel guidebook editor to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner global travel trends expert; email interview, December 2025
• Christina Bennet, Priceline consumer travel trends expert; email interview, December 2025
• Dan Fitzgerald, complex commercial director for Conrad Punta de Mita and Hilton Los Cabos
• Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management for Holland America Line; email interview, December 2025

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