Key Takeaways
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Christmas travel is usually cheaper if you plan ahead and book your tickets in advance.
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The best credit cards for Christmas travel are the card_name, card_name, card_name, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, card_name, and card_name.
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The best places to travel for Christmas are Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; Phuket, Thailand; the Cotswold village of Broadway Worcestershire, England; New York City, USA; Iceland; Cusco, Peru and Himalayan Trekking, Nepal.
Christmas is a great time to travel and explore the world. From domestic destinations to international ones, you have plenty of attractive choices. So, make the decision wisely and experience this Christmas in a unique manner.
When it comes to booking flights for holidays like Christmas, you need to do it sooner rather than later to ensure that you get access to cheap Christmas flights. The closer the holiday is, the higher the airfare will be.
So, you need to book them in late summer or at best in the fall to get the best deals.
Haven’t you done that? Don’t worry. Here, before we present you with a list of the best places to travel for Christmas and why they are a good bet, first let’s talk about how to get the cheapest Christmas flights.
Get Started Today!
The first piece of advice we have for you is that you need to book the holiday flights as soon as possible.
The longer you wait, the higher the prices. Please don’t waste your time trying to game the system, as it might be fruitless.
In the last few years, people were able to get last-minute cheap deals or less busy flights due to COVID-19, but that’s no longer the case. So, you won’t find cheaper deals during the holidays.
The Cheapest Days
The best days to fly around Christmas are Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as most people prefer to fly sooner.
The most expensive day to return is the day after Christmas, December 26. So, the longer you wait to fly after Christmas, the cheaper the airfare will be.
It’s a good idea for those seeking cheap flights on Christmas.
Changing the Christmas Flights
Many people wonder whether they can book holiday flights now to make the most of Christmas flight deals and change them later.
If you are wondering the same, then you should know that yes, you can do that, but there are a few things you need to remember.
If you use large US carriers like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, it’s easy to change your ticket without paying a change fee.
So, if you find a cheaper flight after a few weeks, you can rebook and get airline flight credits to make up for the price difference between the two flights or get a full refund when canceling certain higher-level tickets. It also applies to using miles in some programs.
How to Change Flights Booked Through AMEX and Chase Reward Points
If you want to change flights using AMEX Membership Rewards points or Chase Ultimate rewards points, you need to use an online cancellation form.
You should know that you can use the form only if there are over five days remaining until your flight is set to depart and if the flight was booked more than 24 hours back.
If canceling a flight booked through AMEX Membership rewards, you need to call AMEX Travel to cancel flights. They will guide you through the entire process.
When flying with American, Delta, and United, you should know that the above usually applies to domestic flights (with regular economy tickets) and all flights originating in North America. But it’s better to check your carrier’s individual policy in case you want to change an international flight.
How to Book Cheap Christmas Flights Now?
If you are planning to book Christmas flights now, here are a few ways to make sure you stay within the budget.
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Be flexible with the travel dates and ensure that you use filters on the travel to see the cheapest Christmas travel dates.
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Change the destination – If you have no one waiting for you in the city you plan to travel to, you can ask your family to meet in a city that has cheap Christmas flights.
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Hold a flight when possible, even if you are not 100% sure. It will give you time to make up your mind.
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Use Capital One Travel’s price protection feature if you have a travel credit card like the card_name.
It will give you access to the site’s airfare algorithms to suggest whether you book now or wait for prices to drop. It will make you eligible for credit if the price unexpectedly drops.
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Make use of Google Flights’ amazing function that tells you how current fares compare to historical data.
It will help you choose the best itinerary. It will also ensure that you plan the cheapest Christmas vacations.
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Also, you must consider other ways to save money beyond airfare. For instance, you can choose a cheaper hotel that is lesser known.
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It is also smart to consider flying at inconvenient hours to save some money, like late at night or super early in the morning, as you will not only avoid the rush but also save some money.
Use Travel Miles and the Right Credit Cards
You can use credit card travel benefits whenever possible to save cash. Some of the credit cards you can use for Christmas travel are:
| Name of the Card | Travel Benefits | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
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Travel Benefits Get 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, |
Welcome Bonus bonus_miles_full |
Annual Fee annual_fees |
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Travel Benefits Get 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. |
Welcome Bonus bonus_miles_full |
Annual Fee annual_fees |
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Travel Benefits Get 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, |
Welcome Bonus bonus_miles_full |
Annual Fee annual_fees |
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Travel Benefits Get up to 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants, |
Welcome Bonus bonus_miles_full |
Annual Fee annual_fees |
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Travel Benefits Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, |
Welcome Bonus bonus_miles_full |
Annual Fee annual_fees |
|
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Travel Benefits Get 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or AMEX travel. |
Welcome Bonus bonus_miles_full |
Annual Fee annual_fees |
What are the Best Places to Travel for Christmas?
When it comes to the best places to travel for Christmas, you have countless choices. To make things easier for you, here’s a list of the best options and how to make the best of each journey.
Some of them are cheap places to travel for Christmas, while some are magical. Explore as many as you can.
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Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
One of the best answers to where to go for Christmas is to explore the Gran Canaria Canary Islands in Spain. Whether you are a bachelor or you want to travel with family, it is a great choice.
In addition to enjoying walks along the coast, you can also take a dip in the water. During Christmas, you can explore the beauty of historic churches, charming towns, and attractive markets.
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Phuket, Thailand
If you want to enjoy clear water laps on stunning beaches and sandy shores, Thailand should be your first choice.
With pine trees, splendid resorts, and cost-effective hostels, your travel would be very soothing. During Christmas, we recommend that you explore the raucous parties and kaleidoscopic fireworks displays.
Also, the colorful explosions illuminate the Chao Phraya River are unforgettable.
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The Cotswold village of Broadway Worcestershire, England
Those of you who want a taste of the quintessentially English Christmas must explore this option.
With chocolate box villages dusted in snow, cozy pub fires, and the chime of churchbells ricocheting off period properties, your Christmas will be unique.
And yes, we recommend the mulled wine.
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New York City, USA
The words best Christmas vacations and New York often go hand in hand. Most people are aware that Christmas in New York is extraordinary.
From riding the gorgeously restored, vintage Jane’s Carousel on the East River front to ice-skating under the Rockefeller Center tree, every experience is unique.
We also recommend that you stroll with your partner across a twinkly Brooklyn Bridge and get the New York at Christmas movie magic experience at The Plaza.
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Iceland
Did you know that the festive season in Iceland lasts 26 days, not 12? Yes, you can also enjoy the 13 Santa Clauses who bring presents to children across the country. In December, you also get a rare opportunity to see the Northern Lights here.
We recommend that you spend Christmas day enjoying some ice skating at the frozen central pond of Tjörnin, located in the capital Reykjavík, while spending a memorable night enjoying a delicious dinner of smoked lamb and langoustine.
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Cusco, Peru
For many people, Christmas is a time for giving. If you believe that too, you can explore a festive break with International Volunteer HQ.
We recommend you explore Cusco, where you, as an IVHQ volunteer can wrap presents and prep Christmas decorations for underprivileged local children.
After that, you can have a thrilling adventure too by independently opting for the Inca Trail trek to nearby Machu Picchu. You could also wait to see the whole city explode with fireworks at midnight.
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Himalayan Trekking, Nepal
Looking for a Christmas getaway with a spiritual touch? Explore Hindu temples and Buddhist prayer in Kathmandu.
Here, you will also see many Santa hats, decorated trees, and glittering lights that will bring in the Christmas cheer.
Enjoy some blissful quiet time at the Roof of the World on an Annapurna trek. Word of caution- Please carry ample layers and a warm sleeping bag, as the mercury will usually dip below freezing.
5 Best Credit Cards for Traveling During Christmas
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card_name
Annual Fee: annual_fees
Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewards:
- 2X Points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide
- 1X Point on all other purchases
APR:
- Purchase APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Key Benefits:
- Flexible Redemption: Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, cash back, or transferred to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Travel Insurance: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car insurance, and baggage delay insurance.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international Christmas trips.
- Points Transfer: Transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel partners, enhancing their value.
Advantages:
- High Welcome Bonus: Substantial points bonus that can significantly offset travel expenses.
- Versatile Rewards: Strong rewards on travel and dining, which are common holiday spending categories.
- Comprehensive Travel Protections: Offers peace of mind with various travel insurance benefits.
Limitations:
- Annual Fee: $95 fee may be a consideration, but the benefits often outweigh the cost for frequent travelers.
- APR Range: Variable APR may be high if carrying a balance.
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card_name
Annual Fee: annual_fees
Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewards:
- 2X Miles on every purchase, every day
- 5X Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
APR:
- Purchase APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Key Benefits:
- Simple Rewards Structure: Flat-rate miles make earning rewards straightforward.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
- Travel Flexibility: Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or transferred to various travel partners.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international holiday travels.
Advantages:
- High Earning Rate: 2X miles on all purchases help accumulate rewards quickly.
- Travel Perks: Valuable travel credits and flexible redemption options enhance travel experiences.
- Welcome Bonus: Significant miles bonus to jumpstart your rewards.
Limitations:
- Annual Fee: $95 fee may not be justified for occasional travelers.
- APR Range: Variable APR can be high if you carry a balance.
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card_name
Annual Fee: annual_fees
Welcome Offer:
bonus_miles_full
Rewards:
- 4X Points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- 4X Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 3X Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 1X Point on all other purchases
APR:
- Purchase APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Key Benefits:
- Dining and Grocery Rewards: Exceptional rewards on common holiday spending categories.
- Airline Fee Credit: Up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees at one selected airline.
- Hotel Benefits: Receive Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs.
- Travel Insurance: Includes baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and more.
Advantages:
- High Rewards on Key Categories: Maximizes points on dining and groceries, which are often elevated during the holidays.
- Valuable Travel Credits and Status: Enhances travel experiences with hotel status and fee credits.
- Generous Welcome Bonus: Substantial points bonus for significant spending.
Limitations:
- High Annual Fee: $250 fee may be steep, but the benefits are substantial for frequent travelers and spenders.
- APR Range: Variable APR can be high if balances are carried.
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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee: annual_fees
Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewards:
- 1.25X Miles on every purchase, every day
- 5X Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
APR:
- Purchase APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Balance Transfer APR: balance_transfer_rate
Key Benefits:
- No Annual Fee: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
- Flexible Redemption: Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, gift cards, or transferred to partner programs.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international holiday travels.
Advantages:
- No Annual Fee: Accessible for those who prefer not to pay an annual fee.
- Travel Flexibility: Multiple redemption options enhance travel experiences.
- Welcome Bonus: Valuable bonus miles for a modest initial spend.
Limitations:
- Lower Earning Rate: 1.25X miles on general purchases is lower compared to some premium cards.
- Limited High-Earning Categories: Primarily focuses on travel bookings through Capital One Travel.
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card_name
Annual Fee: annual_fees
Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full
Rewards:
- 2X Miles on Delta purchases, restaurants worldwide, and U.S. supermarkets
- 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases
APR:
- Purchase APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Key Benefits:
- Delta SkyMiles Benefits: Complimentary checked bag, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases.
- Companion Certificate: Receive an annual domestic first-class, Delta Comfort+ or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate after renewal.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Suitable for international holiday travels.
- Miles Match: Match your existing Delta SkyMiles balance when you apply.
Advantages:
- Delta-Specific Perks: Enhances travel experience with airline-specific benefits like priority boarding and checked bags.
- Companion Certificate: Adds significant value for frequent Delta flyers during the holidays.
- No Annual Fee Introductory Offer: Enjoy benefits without an annual fee for the first year.
Limitations:
- Annual Fee After Intro Period: $99 fee starts after the first year, which may be a consideration for infrequent travelers.
Limited Rewards Structure: Best suited for those who frequently fly with Delta, with lower rewards on non-Delta purchases.
Which Card is Best for Christmas Travel?
Selecting the right credit card for your Christmas travels depends on your specific spending habits, travel preferences, and the type of rewards you value most. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
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Best for Versatile Rewards and Points Flexibility
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Why: Offers a strong mix of rewards on travel and dining with flexible redemption options, making it ideal for various holiday expenses.
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Best for High-Earning on All Purchases
card_name – Why: Simple 2X miles on every purchase allows for easy accumulation of rewards, perfect for diverse holiday spending.
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Best for Dining and Grocery Rewards
card_name – Why: Exceptional rewards on dining and supermarkets align well with holiday meals and shopping needs.
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Best for No Annual Fee and Simple Rewards
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Why: No annual fee and a straightforward rewards structure make it accessible for those who prefer simplicity during their holiday travels.
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Best for Delta Flyers and Airline-Specific Perks
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card – Why: Provides Delta-specific benefits like priority boarding and a companion certificate, enhancing the travel experience for frequent Delta flyers during the holidays.
Recommendation
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Primary Choice
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for its versatile rewards and comprehensive travel benefits.
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Secondary Option
American Express® Gold Card for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries during the holidays.
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Budget-Friendly Option
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card for those seeking no annual fee with solid rewards.
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For Delta Loyalists
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card for enhanced airline-specific benefits.
Maximizing Rewards Strategy
To optimize your cashback and rewards earnings during the Christmas season, consider the following strategies:
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Match Spending to Rewards Categories
Use each card where it earns the highest rewards. For example, use the American Express® Gold Card for dining and groceries, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for travel bookings, and card_name for general purchases.
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Leverage Welcome Offers
Aim to meet the minimum spending requirements to earn your welcome bonus early in the holiday season, boosting your rewards for the festive period.
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Combine Cards for Maximum Benefits
Pair a category-specific card with a flat-rate or travel-focused card to cover all your holiday spending areas efficiently. For instance, use the card_name for travel and gas, and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card for everything else.
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Redeem Strategically
Take advantage of the flexible redemption options to maximize the value of your rewards. Whether through statement credits, travel bookings, or gift cards, choose the method that offers the highest return for your points or miles.
Final Words
To maximize your rewards and make Christmas travel more affordable, you can use the Uthrive app or website. It will help you use the right credit card at the right website and offer handy tips on how to get the best Christmas flight deals. Happy holidays!
