Are you late to booking holiday travel? Survey says…

(COLORADO) — Fall kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 22, however, a study shows Coloradans are already starting plans and booking travel for the upcoming holidays.

According to a new AAA survey, more than half of Coloradans plan to take an overnight vacation between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Some Coloradans are also getting an early start on travel, with 40% booking trips before September.

More than half of all bookings start from September to October, and only a small percentage wait to book last minute. Does waiting to book travel make a difference? The survey says no.

“With red-hot travel demand, there’s no such thing as a last-minute deal,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. “To get the best value, with the most options, you’ll want to book before October. Wait too long, and not only will you pay for the privilege, you’ll be forced to take what you can get.”

So, what’s on tap while traveling these upcoming holidays? Thanksgiving booking trends say more than two-thirds of Colorado travelers are planning a trip with at least one overnight stay. According to the survey, 60% of travelers have already finalized their plans before October.

As for Christmas, 77% of travelers are planning a trip with at least one overnight stay. Most travelers (30%) booked their trip in September, 21% booked their trip in November and only 12% booked their Christmas vacation in December.

AAA advises travelers to expect busy travel ahead of the holidays. The busiest days for travel during Thanksgiving week will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday. AAA says for shorter lines and more available flights, travelers should consider traveling the Sunday or Monday before Thanksgiving, and Saturday after the holiday.

With Christmas landing on a Wednesday this year, travelers should expect longer lines at the airport during the weekend, and the Monday before the holiday.

As the seasons change, air travel can become less predictable. AAA suggests preparing for cancellations and considering travel insurance.

“More and more, there are moments when we all wish we could control the weather,” McKinley said. “Short of that, at least consider travel insurance, so you’ve got someone on your side when weather controls your vacation – or lack of one. Good travel insurance will make you whole for lost or delayed luggage, flight cancellations, and flight delays of as little as three hours.”

AAA also suggests preparing for booking flights and delays by:

• Book early for the best combination of price and availability.

• Book a direct flight that leaves early in the morning,

• Consider traveling a day or two early.

• If your flight has connections, build in a couple of hours between flights in case of cancellations.

• Minimize your risk of missing a flight or losing a bag by traveling with carry-on luggage only.

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