by Natalia Jones

Created on: November 09, 2009

Everyone wants to go home for the holidays, but depending on where 'home' is you may find that the cost has skyrocketed because of the season. Luckily there are always budget-friendly ways to travel. All you need is to think outside the box and your dream of spending Christmas with your family might come true after all.

Planes, Trains or Automobiles

While flying might be the easiest way to get home, it may not be the only way or even the cheapest. Make sure you explore all your options to save some green for Christmas by checking train routes and even considering taking the drive if it's not extremely far.

Plan Vacation Time so You Can Be Flexible With Travel Dates

Saving up your vacation days for the holiday season ensures you can be ultra flexible with arrival and departure dates. Normally, the days before and after the holiday are the most expensive dates to travel simply because they are in the most demand. If you really want to save, give yourself some wiggle room to manipulate your travel dates and you might be able to score a great deal just by shifting your flight up a day or two.

Comparison Shop

All budget airlines are not equal and all travel sites certainly are not equal. Don't get too loyal to one over the other either. You should be in the habit of checking at least three different sites to see what type of offers are available on the dates you are interested in travelling. When you see a really great deal though, don't hesitate too long or you may end up losing out because of your indecision.

Check Alternate Airports

Changing the airport you use can also drastically affect the price of your ticket. Lesser used airports usually have cheaper flight deals. It may mean driving for a few more minutes when you land but it may well be worth it if the savings are significant enough. Of course you shouldn't compromise on the airport if it means you'll just spend your savings on the ticket in the taxi ride to get back on your route anyway. You must make sure your decision makes sense for you.

Be Prepared to Connect

If price is the most important factor to you, you may want to consider taking a connecting flight. Direct flights can go at a premium of 2 to 3 times the cost of a flight with all other things being equal with the exception of the connection.

Getting home for the holidays doesn't have to cost you a fortune. You can have Christmas dinner with your friends and family at home without paying extortionist prices if you plan ahead and use some basic traveler's wisdom.

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