Holiday Travel 2026: When to fly, where to save and how to stretch your budget

Holiday travel is shaping up to be more expensive this year, but you can still travel and not break the bank if you plan ahead.Three major factors are driving higher holiday travel costs: fuel prices, fewer available airline seats and increased demand.According to energy market research firm Argus, jet fuel prices have climbed significantly compared to last year, with airlines passing some of those costs along to travelers.Airlines are also scheduling approximately 3% fewer domestic seats during the holiday season. Combine that with millions of Americans traveling around the same dates, and it's easy to see why prices are climbing.RELATED STORY | Interactive: See which holiday travel days could save you the mostAccording to Hopper, November 25 and November 29 are among the most expensive days to fly around Thanksgiving. Consider departing November 23 or even on Thanksgiving Day to save.For Christmas, avoid December 18-20, if possible. According to Kayak, traveling December 21 or 22 cou