Expert: Now is the time to finalize your holiday travel plans

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The holidays will be here before you know it — that’s why experts recommend families figure out their travel plans.

Hayley Berg from Hopper told 12 News that this holiday season is expected to be a busy one.

“Travelers should be prepared for the usual hubbub and business of the travel season, both over Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year’s,” Berg said.

The average round trip flight from Providence this Thanksgiving is expected to cost about $331, that is 5% higher than last year, according to Hopper.

For those who are traveling for Christmas, the average round trip flight will be about $417, which Berg said is up 7% from 2023.

Berg recommends for people to book their flights now.

“We often forget to book our Christmas flights until a little bit too late,” Berg said. “Our recommendation at Hopper is to try to book both Thanksgiving and Christmas by about the middle point of this month.”

Once you secure a flight, Berg suggested booking a rental car if you need one.

“It’s important to book that car early,” she said. “We do often see at this time of year, airports can run out of rental cars.”

Hotels in big cities like Seattle, London and Rome often have good discounts for the holidays, according to Berg.

“If you’re thinking about a holiday stay, maybe do one in a major city where you could save about 30%,” she said.