By Luyiso 
Thanksgiving and Christmas may have just passed, but it’s never too soon to start planning for next year’s festive celebrations—especially if you’re looking to maximize your flexibility and save money.
Peak travel times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are always in high demand. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing the most convenient flights and the top accommodations at competitive prices.
Though the 2025 holiday season may feel far off, this is exactly when the most sought-after hotels and flights begin to sell out. Waiting too long doesn’t mean you’ll miss your opportunity to travel, but it does mean you’ll likely face steeper costs and fewer options.
By acting early, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more affordable holiday experience—one that’s free from the stress of last-minute planning.
Securing your holiday arrangements now offers more than just convenience—it provides reassurance and enhances your likelihood of seizing unparalleled deals. Even if your itinerary remains in flux, reserving flights or accommodations with adaptable cancellation policies is a strategic move. Adjustments can always be made later if your plans evolve.
Below, explore an elevated approach to orchestrating your 2025 holiday plans, ensuring exceptional savings whether you’re leveraging cash, reward points, or travel miles.
Embrace Flexibility to Unlock Maximum Savings
In recent years, dynamic award pricing has become the norm across an increasing number of hotel chains. This shift means that during peak travel times, the points required for redemption often escalate. However, with a touch of adaptability, savvy travelers can uncover remarkable deals, even during high-demand periods.
Take, for instance, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. By securing a reservation before December 20, you could conserve a substantial amount of points compared to booking during the bustling holiday season. Adjusting your travel schedule slightly can lead to considerable rewards, making flexibility a cornerstone of smart holiday planning.
Slightly shifting your travel dates can often reveal off-peak award availability for both flights and accommodations. This strategic adjustment can dramatically enhance your chances of securing high-value redemptions.
To optimize your search, leverage resources like Hyatt’s points calendar, which highlights optimal redemption periods for hotel stays. For flights, the Points Path Chrome plug-in is a valuable companion when navigating Google Flights, offering seamless insights into point redemption opportunities.
Remember, timing is everything. Once you spot a favorable deal, act swiftly—availability can vanish rapidly, even months in advance. By staying proactive, you can secure exceptional savings while others miss out.
Secure Flights Early and Leverage Flexible Airline Policies
Booking flights well in advance is a savvy way to lock in great deals and peace of mind. Most major airlines open bookings 330 to 365 days ahead, while budget carriers like Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines may vary in their timelines. Acting early ensures better access to favorable flight times and lower redemption costs, as award availability typically diminishes closer to peak travel periods.
Many airlines have embraced greater flexibility in their change and cancellation policies. Major U.S. carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines now offer no-fee cancellations on award flights. This means your points or miles will be refunded if your plans change, and taxes and fees are usually returned to your original payment method.
For those with sufficient points or cash, booking multiple flight options early can provide an extra layer of security. You’ll have alternatives ready, should your plans shift or better opportunities arise. Acting promptly not only maximizes savings but also safeguards your options in a competitive travel landscape.
Keep an Eye Out for Price Drops
Scoring a great deal doesn’t mean your search should end. Even after booking your flights or accommodations, stay vigilant for price drops. Whether cash fares or points redemption rates decrease, many providers allow you to rebook at the lower rate and cancel your original reservation for a refund.
Southwest Airlines simplifies this process by letting you reprice flights directly online, avoiding the need for cancellation. While other airlines might require a full cancellation and rebooking process, the absence of change fees makes the extra effort worthwhile.
Regularly monitoring your bookings can pay off, ensuring you secure the best possible deal. With a little persistence, you can maximize your savings and make the most of every travel dollar or point.
Kickstart Your Points Earning Strategy
If your points balance is running low, the start of the year is the perfect time to establish an earning strategy. By planning early, you’ll have ample opportunity to accumulate points well ahead of peak holiday booking periods.
American Express offers several premium travel cards with lucrative welcome bonuses and ongoing earning opportunities. For instance:
- American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 within the first six months. With 4x points on dining and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel, this card is a solid choice for frequent diners and travelers.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. This card also provides premium benefits such as access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program, complimentary airport lounge access, and 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel (up to $500,000 annually). Note that the annual fee is $695 (see rates and fees).
Membership Rewards points can be transferred to a wide range of travel partners, including Delta and Marriott, offering flexibility in booking flights or hotels.
Keep in mind that award availability and point requirements can fluctuate. By mapping out your earning and transfer strategies now, you can build a strong points balance and be ready to act swiftly when redemption opportunities arise.
Secure Family-Friendly Accommodations Early
Selecting the ideal accommodations for your family is a cornerstone of a successful holiday experience. However, the larger the family, the more challenging it can be to find suitable lodging. Spacious suites, villas, and family-focused resorts tend to fill up swiftly, making early bookings crucial for securing the perfect fit.
Most major hotel chains and properties typically open their booking windows 11 to 13 months in advance, meaning now is the opportune time to lock in reservations for many popular destinations.
Consider options such as Club Med’s all-inclusive resorts or Disney Vacation Club properties, which provide expansive rooms and an array of amenities tailored for families. These premium accommodations are particularly in demand during peak holiday seasons, especially when redeeming points for stays.
As you plan, prioritize properties that offer flexible cancellation policies. This allows you the freedom to modify your plans without incurring penalties, providing peace of mind as you navigate the uncertainty that often comes with holiday travel.
The Bottom Line: Plan Early for a Stress-Free Holiday
As demand for holiday travel soars, securing your preferred destinations and accommodations has become increasingly competitive. Booking your Christmas vacation now guarantees you the best flight options, ideal lodging, and optimal points redemption opportunities.
Leverage flexible booking policies and begin earning points early to ensure a seamless and affordable travel experience. Whether you’re envisioning a relaxing beach escape, a winter wonderland adventure, or a cozy family retreat, early planning is the key to a memorable, cost-effective holiday season.