With peak travel season here, Denver travel agent offers advice on saving money on your next vacatio
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Best Travel Credit Cards Of 2025
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed. Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Earn 60,000 points redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. You are eligible for an offer of up to $10,000 for every $100 you spend on a new card in the next 6 months. You can apply for a new credit card by visiting www.myfico.com/card. For more information on how to apply, visit www.fICO.com or call 1-800-FICO-8255.
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Earn 2 Free Nights after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 25,000 Bonus Points after you spend $12,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening.
Earn 2 Free Nights after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 25,000 Bonus Points after you spend $12,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Best Offer Ever: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Best Offer Ever: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
This Is When You Should Actually Book Flights, According to Google
The internet is a great place to meet people from all walks of life. It’s a great way to meet new people and get to know them better. There are many ways to express your feelings and express your creativity. There is no need to go into great detail about how you feel or what you want to say. You don’t have to explain yourself to someone who has no idea what you’re thinking. You just have to be yourself and be willing to be open and honest. You can’t be afraid to say what you think, even if it’s hard to believe at first. There’s no need for you to be perfect, but you can be the best version of yourself that you are possible to be. You have to have a sense of humor and a willingness to try new things and be open to new ideas. You must be willing and willing to try out new things, even though you’re not sure what they are. You need to have the confidence to try them out and see if they work for you.
Traveling during peak seasons can get pricey fast, but a few smart moves can help you save big. CNET experts dug into travel trends and booking data to uncover the best times to lock in cheap flights—so you don’t have to guess. Backed by insights from Google Flights, these tips can help you avoid overpaying and get the most value out of your vacation budget. Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or booking ahead, a little strategy goes a long way.
Google Flights has released a robust travel report after aggregating four years of airfare data and trends to provide US travelers with an overarching guide on finding the cheapest flights and the best times to book them. I have reviewed this report thoroughly and highlighted the most important takeaways below to help you find a flight in your budget and let you relax while traveling instead of stressing about money.
For more key travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also review CNET’s roundup of the best headphones for travel.
What days are the cheapest to fly?
CNET
If you’re planning to book a flight, you’re likely trying to find the most budget-friendly option. According to Google Flights, the cheapest flights are available when flying on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being the cheapest day, according to the historical flight data.
Flying early- to midweek can save travelers 13% to 20% on airfare compared to flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday the most expensive day to fly.
Do layovers on flights save you money?
It may come as no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights but you may not realize just how significant those savings can be. The Google Flight data shows that travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight.
Which day of the week is the cheapest for booking flights?
There are certainly cheaper days to fly, there aren’t really cheaper days to book. “There’s not much benefit to buying your tickets on a certain day of the week,” according to the Google report.
Google Flights does state that Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day of the week to book, according to the data, but Tuesday bookings are only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday.
Is it cheaper to book flights far in advance?
To wait or not to wait? According to Google, it’s better to book your travel far in advance, especially if you need to fly on a specific day or time. There are some patterns you can analyze to decide whether it’s better to wait for lower prices or book now based on specific scenarios, destinations and dates of travel.
For domestic flights, the prices are generally at their lowest between 21 and 52 days before your trip — with 38 days before departure being the cheapest day to book on average.
For international flights, the prices are generally lowest between 50 and 101 days before your trip, but it’s generally best practice to book as early as you can. According to Google, “Average prices don’t meaningfully drop anytime before departure but they usually do start to rise within 50 days of the flight itself” for international travel from the US.
Never miss out on the cheapest airfare again. Anton Petrus/Getty Images/Gianmarco Chumbe/CNET
When is the best time to book a flight in every season?
Here’s what Google says about the best times to book holiday flights and vacation trips to certain popular destinations.
Summer break: The cheapest domestic flights in July and August are usually available 13 to 43 days in advance, with 21 days before departure being the cheapest day on average to book.
Thanksgiving: The cheapest domestic flights over the Thanksgiving holiday are usually available 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days out being the cheapest — meaning it’s best to book Thanksgiving flights in early October.
Christmas: The cheapest domestic flights over the winter holidays are usually available 36 to 72 days in advance, with 58 days out being the cheapest. It’s best to book Christmas or holiday travel in the latter half of October.
Spring break: The cheapest domestic flights in March and April are available between 33 to 59 days in advance, with 44 days before departure being the cheapest time to book on average.
When is the best time to book a flight to Europe?
International flights to Europe from the US are usually cheaper 50 or more days before departure, with 94 days out being the cheapest day to book on average. As with all international travel, it’s generally best practice to book as early as you can.
When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico or the Caribbean?
International flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are the one exception to the broader international trend, according to Google. That’s because flights are generally at their lowest between 26 and 68 days in advance, with 44 days out being the cheapest.
For more, check out CNET’s picks for the best travel credit cards in 2025. You can also explore the 12 travel essentials you always need to pack and the worst airlines for flight delays and cancellations.
These Are the Best Times to Book a Cruise for Deals, Optimal Rooms, and More
The best time to book a cruise depends on the type of cruise, when you want to travel, and your tolerance for risk. Reserve popular or new itineraries as early as possible to get the best prices and accommodations. You may be able to snag a deal during the winter wave season or at the last minute as companies lower prices to fill cabins. Don’t overlook traditional discount days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November. The best bet is to track fares throughout the week and a good time to find a price on a cruise may not be a popular time of the week, but every company releases its best deals during that period. But if a cruise is filling up quickly, the company has no reason to release a sale to entice customers. If a ship is only partially booked and the cruise’s departure date is fast approaching, prices will drop and complimentary add-ons will increase in some happy customers, resulting in a happy customer. If you’re not interested in high-season travel or experiencing the latest cruise ship, you can play the waiting game and pounce as soon as fares drop.
Reserve popular or new itineraries as early as possible to get the best prices and accommodations.
You may be able to snag a deal during the winter wave season or at the last minute as companies lower prices to fill cabins, though choices can be limited.
Saving money feels good—almost as good as sitting on the top deck of a Caribbean-bound cruise with a cocktail in hand. It’s easier than you think to get the best of both worlds—you just need to know the best time to book. In many cases, securing your spot as early as possible will get you the best price. If you miss the early-bird fares, consider waiting until the wave season, January through March, when cruise promotions abound. Of course, pricing also fluctuates based on demand.
The best time to book a cruise depends largely on when you want to travel, what you want out of the experience, and whether you’re daring enough to wait for a deal. Read on to find out how to snag the cruise of your dreams without breaking the bank.
When to Book Early
If you have your sights set on a high-demand sailing—for example, on a new ship or during school breaks—the best time to book will likely be as soon as the fares are released. Experts say this is particularly true if you want to get the best cruise deals on a luxury line like Silversea or Seabourn, a Disney Cruise, or a small ship sailing. As the ship fills up, prices increase. Apart from saving you money, booking early might be the only way to guarantee a spot (and secure a particular cabin location).
When to Wait
If you’re not interested in high-season travel or experiencing the latest cruise ship, you can play the waiting game and pounce as soon as fares drop. As any seasoned traveler knows, you can often find lower rates or free add-ons as the departure date approaches and the cruise line works to fill the ship. In those cases, prices will likely drop within 90 or 60 days of embarkation, after final payments are due.
While holding off may result in a once-in-a-lifetime deal, keep in mind that your cabin and category choices may be minimal, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to book at all. This approach works best for people with flexible work schedules or retirees who can adjust their travel dates to take advantage of these less expensive fares.
Olga Shevtsova/EyeEm/Getty Images
Tracking Cruise Fares
The only way to really know the best time to book a cruise is to track fares, which you can do through the Shipmate app and Cruise Critic website. Sign up to be alerted if there’s a price drop, taking the stressful task of incessant scanning off your plate. Some people also have luck with requesting a price match even after they’ve booked. It all depends on the cruise line, so keep those alerts on.
Best Time of Year to Book a Cruise
Known as wave season, January through March is often the best time of year to book a cruise. Demand plummets after the holidays, and during this period of industry-wide promotions, the price of that cruise you’ve been dreaming of may drop significantly. It’s also a good time to find booking perks like free upgrades, prepaid gratuities, or onboard spending money.
Best Time of Month to Book a Cruise
While there isn’t a specific time of the month that’s best to book a cruise, monitoring fare changes over several weeks can help you spot any price drops. Cruise prices fluctuate frequently based on availability, demand, and special deals. Unless you’re interested in a high-demand sailing, be patient and look out for flash sales. Don’t overlook traditional discount days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November.
Best Day of the Week to Book a Cruise
People often wonder if there is a specific day of the week when cruise prices consistently drop. Unfortunately, fares don’t rise and fall on a set schedule, and it’s impossible to predict when they’ll change. Your best bet is to track fares throughout the week.
Understanding When and Why Cruise Prices Drop
Wave season may be a popular time to find a good price on a cruise, but not every company releases its best deals during that period. Promotions (or lack thereof) are often based on what is and isn’t selling. If a cruise is filling up quickly, the company has no reason to release a sale to entice customers. But if a cruise’s departure date is fast approaching and the ship is only partially booked, prices will drop and complimentary add-ons will increase, resulting in some happy customers.
50 Affordable Family Vacation Ideas to Explore on a Budget
Lubbock is a surprisingly fun hub of art, music, theater and mid-century architecture. Enjoy a show at the glittering new Buddy Holly Performing Arts Center. Prairie Dog Town is every bit as fun (and as literal) as the name suggests. If you’d prefer to fly, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is just 15 minutes from downtown Lubbocks.. The Cotton Court Hotel on Broadway is abuzz with activity every night with multiple fire pits, rocking chairs, live music, a bar and a pool.
Budget tip: This west Texas town is thriving, thanks to one of the most spectacular public art collections found anywhere on earth. Massive sculptures are scattered all over Texas Tech University’s campus. Tours are free and involve riding around in a cute trolley, so even your little ones will be in heaven. To get the kids even more on board, promise them an hour or two at Prairie Dog Town. This public park is every bit as fun (and as literal) as the name suggests. Bring some bread or carrots and feed the little cuties for free.
How to get there: Lubbock can feel like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but the west Texas city is just a five-hour drive from Dallas. If you’d prefer to fly, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is just 15 minutes from downtown.
Where to stay: Families will love the Cotton Court Hotel on Broadway. The grassy courtyard is abuzz with activity every night—multiple fire pits, rocking chairs, live music, a bar and a pool.
Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on cheap family vacations, writer Jeff Bogle tapped his experience as a travel journalist and past contributor for Travel + Leisure. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.