AAA Encourages Tennesseans to Get a Head Start on Holiday Travel
NASHVILLE, TN (WOKI) – With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s travel season approaching, AAA is encouraging Tennesseans to begin making travel plans now rather than waiting until the last minute.
According to a newly released AAA travel survey, travelers who start planning early often benefit from lower costs, more choices, and less stress as demand increases during the holiday season.
The survey found that more than one in five Tennesseans, or 22%, typically begin planning their holiday trips during September and October, while only 8% wait until November or December to start making arrangements.
Waiting to Book Often Leads to Higher Costs
Many travelers postpone making reservations because they are trying to save money. However, AAA says that strategy frequently produces the opposite result.
According to the survey:
- 47% of Tennesseans reported delaying a booking and later paying more than they would have if they had booked earlier.
- 15% said they ended up paying significantly more.
- 32% reported paying somewhat more after waiting.
AAA spokeswoman Megan Cooper says travelers hoping for major price drops often find themselves facing higher prices and fewer available choices.
“Many travelers are hoping to find a better deal by waiting. Unfortunately, our survey shows that strategy doesn’t always pay off,” Cooper said.
She noted that travelers do not necessarily need to purchase the first itinerary they find, but should begin researching now before the busiest booking period arrives.
Budget Concerns Drive Delays
The survey identified several reasons travelers postpone booking trips.
Why Travelers Wait
- 48% cite budget concerns.
- 36% wait in hopes of finding lower prices.
- 24% are waiting for family or friends to commit to travel plans.
- 22% worry about weather conditions or potential travel disruptions.
AAA says these concerns are understandable but often result in travelers facing higher airfare, fewer hotel choices, and reduced flexibility.
Benefits of Booking Early
Travel experts say early planning provides several advantages that become increasingly important during high-demand holiday periods.
Early Booking Benefits Include:
- More flight options.
- Greater hotel availability.
- More vacation package selections.
- Increased flexibility for schedule changes.
- More time to compare destinations and prices.
- Better ability to coordinate complicated itineraries.
AAA says travelers who begin planning now can take advantage of a wider range of options before flights and hotels begin filling up.
Travel Advisors Can Help Find Savings
AAA also recommends that travelers with complex itineraries consider working with a travel advisor.
International vacations, multi-country trips, cruises, and large family vacations often benefit from professional planning assistance.
Travel advisors can monitor fare changes, identify deals, compare destinations, and provide guidance on travel requirements that travelers may overlook when booking on their own.
According to AAA, international and multi-country vacations are the types of trips most likely to prompt travelers to seek professional assistance.
“Travelers are balancing price, flexibility, and peace of mind when planning vacations,” Cooper said. “A travel agent can help travelers compare options, maximize value, and understand important considerations before booking.”
Ways to Save Money This Holiday Season
For travelers looking to stretch their vacation budgets, AAA suggests considering travel dates outside peak holiday periods.
Among travelers who prefer vacationing before or after the actual holiday week:
- 52% cited fewer crowds as the main benefit.
- 46% cited lower prices.
- 37% said they enjoy greater scheduling flexibility.
Flying a few days earlier or later than traditional holiday travel dates can often result in meaningful savings and a less stressful travel experience.
AAA’s Top Holiday Travel Planning Tips
AAA recommends the following strategies for holiday travelers:
- Establish a travel budget before booking.
- Compare multiple travel dates and destinations.
- Consider traveling before or after peak holiday weeks.
- Set airfare and hotel price alerts.
- Book once the trip fits your budget and priorities.
Looking Ahead
With holiday travel demand expected to rise in the coming months, AAA says now is the ideal time for Tennessee travelers to begin researching flights, hotels, cruises, and vacation packages.
The organization’s survey suggests that waiting for prices to drop often leads to higher costs, while travelers who plan ahead typically enjoy more choices, greater flexibility, and a better chance of staying within budget during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
