CHANNEL 11 EXCLUSIVE: Saving on holiday travel and gifts
When it comes to holiday spending this year, no where will you feel the pinch quite as hard as when you’re booking travel, according to Clark Howard, our consumer adviser.
According to the Consumer Price Index, the cost of airfare is up a whopping 43% compared to this time last year. But there are ways you can save.
Sarah Jordan, senior deals editor at clarkdeals.com, said while flexibility isn’t always easy around the holidays, buying one-way tickets lets you grab deals from multiple airlines.
“You can look on Google Flights and see which days have the very best price, which days of the week when you’re coming back has the very best price,” she said.
And remember, Southwest doesn’t show up on Google Flights so make sure to check that website separately.
If you can avoid checking a bag — do it. You can avoid paying the fees and getting your luggage lost, Jordan said.
If you don’t check a bag, how are you going to get your presents there?
With free shipping available from nearly every retailer — mail them.
Speaking of presents, Jordan said there are many ways to save this year, but first you have to comparison shop and budget.
“These stores wanna pull you in but just because the store is screaming 70% off. It doesn’t mean it’s the very best deal,” she said.
The best time to start shopping is now. Many stores have started Black Friday sales.
Some retailers also offer incentives.
As far as the best deals — it varies.
“Clothing for any season — summer, winter. We’re starting to see prices for TVs go down, laptops, Chromebooks, especially,” she said.
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