As the holiday season approaches, many travelers are beginning to finalize their plans for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, and other celebrations. It is essential to address key travel tasks promptly to avoid last-minute complications.
Booking flights is a priority if it has not been done yet. The booking app Hopper suggests that September and October are optimal months for purchasing holiday airfare as prices tend to increase afterward. Google Flights' booking trends report indicates that Christmas airfares were at their lowest 71 days before departure. For those who can be flexible with dates, cheaper fares might be available on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving or on Thanksgiving Day itself.
Travelers planning international trips should verify their passport expiration dates immediately. Current routine processing times range from six to eight weeks, while expedited service takes two to three weeks. The U.S. Department of State recommends renewing passports at least six months before travel since many countries require this validity period upon entry or departure.