Making Thanksgiving travel affordable

November 6, 3:07 PMNY Budget Travel ExaminerSusan Finch

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There's a lot to be thankful for this time of year, but expensive airline tickets isn't one of them. 

If you're just deciding now to fly home and surprise Mom and Dad with your holiday presence -- you're probably picking yourself up off the floor.  Have you seen the horror stories of full flights and holiday airfare? It's intense, but don't let it intimidate you and keep you from making your journey work.

After considering the airfare issue and holiday crowds, my husband and I decided to brave it and drive all the way to Atlanta.  We're determined to make the most of that freedom and travel around the East Coast a bit before making our way back home.  As a result, we were rewarded with a sudden decline in fuel prices and a self-designed play-list that would make any music buff blush.

So whether you're driving down the East Coast or trying to flying to the West Coast, there are some budget friendly options to consider.

Budget Driving Tips

Peruse craigslist for other desperate travelers who need to split the cost of gas and a rental car.  If you have your own car, you can ask to split the gas 40/60 to compensate for using your own car.  Or request your guests pay the tolls.

Get online at craigslist and see if anyone needs goods delivered along your route.  You'll be surprised that people are willing to pay $100 on up for the safe delivery of art, televisions, keepsakes, and antiques. 

Don't forget about the bus.  Despite cramped quarters and the horrors of Greyhound and Chinatown buses, you may find it's ultimately cheaper than renting a car and paying for gas yourself.

Lighten your load.  Don't overpack and remove anything you're storing in your own car. A few extra hand weights or bag of clothes to goodwill can add to your fuel costs without even realizing it.

Google for coupons and discount codes.  That includes everything from gas to hotels to food for your drive.  I once found a 50% off companion fare on Amtrak this way and went to Montreal for $50 one way.

Budget Flying Tips for Thanksgiving

Fly off-peak.  Avoid flying the Sunday after Thanksgiving, or the day before.  Check the 'my dates are flexible' option on just about any travel search engine to see fares surrounding your travel dates.

Consider other airports.  It might be cheaper to fly into the Philadelphia airport and then take a bus up to New York instead of hitting LaGuardia.  Of course, if you're not saving more than a $100, your time is probably more valuable than a long day of holiday travel.

Ask for frequent flyer miles.  If you're a few thousand miles short of a ticket, ask around.  Many of us have a few hundred miles  we've never used and probably never will.  Your family members might also be happy to chip in for your travel.  Of course, you'll need to check for fees that might apply in transferring miles.

Hope you get bumped.  Holiday season is busy, and there's a decent chance your airline will be overbooked and asking for volunteers to get bumped.  In exchange, you'll get free airfare for your next trip (like Christmas) and possibly a free meal voucher or hotel stay.

Scour for a good deal. There's always a chance to find a discount ticket, especially if a flight isn't full.  Right now there's a fare on Philadelphia to Orlando for $145 round trip on Orbitz under their 'Fares' tab. 

Now that you may have settled your nerves on Thanksgiving travel, you still have to deal with facing your entire family at dinner...

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Email me your budget travel questions and challenges at travelexaminer@yahoo.com.  I'll post them here and help you get on the open road.