The desire for experiences over things has made this shopping day more popular than ever.

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As the holiday season approaches, the buzz surrounding Travel Tuesday is louder than ever. Once overshadowed by the retail frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year, Travel Tuesday has taken center stage as the ultimate shopping event. With more consumers prioritizing experiences over material possessions and post-pandemic revenge travel still at the forefront, Tuesday, December 3 is set to be an amazing time for adventurers to win big on some incredible deals.

According to a McKinsey & Company report, search interest for “Travel Tuesday” rose more than 500% from 2021 to 2023. Google Trends also has corroborated the data; searches for “Travel Tuesday” beginning in November 2017 steeply dropped off during the pandemic, but are rising significantly from 2022 and 2023. As far as where travelers are looking to go, a couple destinations in the West made the top 10 most searched, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Honolulu.

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The reasons this year is set to be the most impactful for Travel Tuesday are many. Plenty of families are swapping their traditional shopping lists for itineraries filled with dream vacations. Travelers are not just looking for escapes; they’re seeking connection, adventure, and memories that last a lifetime. And it’s become a lucrative business for airlines and hotels offering discounts and enticing packages, catering to the growing desire for travel over things. To help you snag the best deals this Travel Tuesday, consider these tips:

  1. Set Alerts Early: Use fare alerts on airline and travel sites to monitor price drops for specific routes.
  2. Be Flexible with Dates: Traveling mid-week or during off-peak times can yield significant savings.
  3. Book Direct: Look for exclusive discounts and perks when booking directly through airlines or hotels.
  4. Bundle Your Travel: Consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and car rentals for additional savings.
  5. Consider Alternative Airports: Check nearby airports for better rates and less crowded options.
  6. Join Loyalty Programs: Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs to earn points and bonuses.
  7. Research Local Experiences: Explore discounts on tours and activities, which can add value to your trip.