The best travel hack is to plan ahead

If you’re looking to escape the frozen tundra that is winter in Canada (at a reasonable price), there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Driving the news: With Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up in November, travel deals will be among the many savings on full display. But outside of those big flash sales, saving money on your travel always comes down to a couple of key factors, per The Globe and Mail.

  • Early bird gets the deal: Book travel months in advance to secure lower prices before demand drives costs up. Airlines and hotels have sophisticated algorithms predicting when inventory will sell, and with flexible cancellation, you can always change plans.

  • Stay flexible: Consider alternative travel dates and times for cost savings, and be open to layovers for cheaper flight options — long layovers mean you can see another place, too. You can also look for midweek and evening flights (cheaper than peak travel times).

  • Get creative: Use loyalty points, miles, and travel rewards for discounts on flights and accommodations. You can also explore nearby airports for potential savings, especially when travelling to major cities with multiple airport options. Trains are a great option, too.

  • Avoid extra fees: Pay light so you can opt for carry-on luggage to avoid baggage fees, and be mindful of extra charges for amenities like in-flight meals. When you’re at your destination, you can avoid paying for travel or car insurance with the right credit cards.

Why it matters: Canadians are continuing to spend big on travel, but between soaring demand and high inflation, every dollar counts when you’re trying to make the most out of your trip. —LA