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The period following Thanksgiving is considered an optimal time for travel, with reduced prices and fewer crowds. Travel expert Samantha Brown highlighted this in a recent Instagram post, noting that "The Monday after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of what is known as a dead week. ... It represents a huge lull in travel, so things like airfare and hotels are 50% off their summer peak price highs."
Brown elaborated in an email interview, explaining that "Dead Weeks begin the Monday after Thanksgiving and can run up to two weeks following the holiday." This timing offers opportunities for lower fares, described by an Expedia spokesperson as a "mini shoulder season" between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
While travelers are increasingly returning home early in the week after Thanksgiving to avoid crowds, airports remain busy during this period. However, accommodations become more affordable. Vrbo reports that occupancy levels and average daily rates on vacation rentals drop during these weeks.
