Best Travel Deals Before Black Friday

Over the past few years, Black Friday has evolved into a full travel deal season. What began as a one-day event now stretches into an entire week or more of promotions that include Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving).

Many travel companies start teasing offers in early November, with the biggest discounts often appearing over the holiday weekend and into Cyber Week. Airlines, hotels, and online agencies have learned that travelers are eager to plan their next getaway while shopping for gifts.

In short, the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving have become prime time for travel savings. Whether you are looking for a last-minute winter getaway or planning a 2026 vacation, keeping an eye on early Black Friday travel promotions can pay off big.

Airlines go all-in on Black Friday with some of their best promotions of the year.

What to Watch For:

• Flash Fares: Limited-time discounts on select routes, often for bookings made within 24 hours. Budget airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, and Ryanair are known for eye-catching one-way fares during this period.

• Promo Codes and Percent-Off Sales: Expect discounts of 15–30% on select flights. Some carriers also run site-wide promo codes or special member-only fares.

• Loyalty Bonuses: Frequent-flyer programs may offer double miles, extra points, or early access to sales for members.

Pro Tip: Create airline accounts or sign up for newsletters ahead of time so you can book quickly when deals go live. The best fares sell fast.

Hotels love Black Friday too, making it a great time to lock in future stays.

What to Expect:

• Big Discounts: Major brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Accor often offer up to 30% off rates, with even deeper discounts for loyalty members.

• App-Exclusive Offers: Booking directly through a hotel’s app or joining a free rewards program can unlock better prices or added benefits.

• Freebies: Complimentary breakfast, resort credits, upgrades, or bonus points are common during Black Friday promotions.

Pro Tip: Check if your Black Friday rate is refundable. Some deals offer flexibility, while others may be prepaid or non-refundable.

Black Friday is one of the best times to book all-inclusive vacations or guided tours.

What to Expect:

• Flight + Hotel Packages: Online travel agencies and airline vacation divisions often offer hundreds of dollars off bundled trips.

• Tour Operator Sales: Companies like Globus, Collette, and Trafalgar have historically offered 15–25% off guided tours or special “2-for-1” deals.

• All-Inclusive Resort and Cruise Packages: Expect offers combining flights, resorts, and cruises for major savings, especially in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Pro Tip: Sign up for “early access” or loyalty programs with your favorite tour providers to get first dibs on limited-time promotions.

Cruise lines consistently launch their biggest sales of the year around Black Friday and Cyber Week.

What to Expect:

• Reduced Fares: Cruise fares can drop by hundreds of dollars per person, with extra value for early bookings.

• Free Perks: Look for cabin upgrades, onboard credits, free drink packages, or prepaid gratuities included in the deal.

• Extended Sales: Many promotions run through Cyber Week, but popular itineraries and cabin types go fast.

Pro Tip: Check for add-ons like free Wi-Fi or specialty dining credits – these can enhance your trip’s value without extra cost.

Even rental car companies get into the holiday savings spirit.

What to Expect:

• Percentage Discounts: Agencies like Hertz, Budget, and Avis often offer 20–30% off rentals or bonus loyalty points.

• Free Upgrades: Pay for a compact car and drive off in a midsize or SUV.

• Added Value: Look for promotions that waive extra fees or offer bonus days on longer rentals.

Pro Tip: Reserve early with a company that allows free cancellation so you can rebook if a better deal appears.

To keep up with the flood of deals, use smart tools that alert you when prices drop.

Top Tools to Try:

• Google Flights: Set up price alerts for routes you are considering and get email notifications when fares change.

• Skyscanner and Kayak: Compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals to ensure you are getting the best deal.

• Hopper: This app predicts when prices will rise or fall and notifies you when it is the best time to book.

• Travel Deal Newsletters: Subscribe to sites like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) or Travelzoo for curated deal alerts.

Pro Tip: Follow your favorite airlines and hotels on social media for flash sales and app-only codes.

Finding a great deal is all about timing and preparation. Here are key tips to keep in mind:

1. Plan Ahead: Know your ideal destinations and travel dates before deals start appearing.

2. Be Flexible: Shifting your travel dates or airport can unlock much cheaper options.

3. Act Fast: Many sales last only a few hours, so have your details and payment ready.

4. Double-Check Prices: Use comparison tools to confirm that a “deal” is truly the lowest available.

5. Read the Fine Print: Pay attention to blackout dates, cancellation terms, and added fees.

6. Use Rewards: Pay with a travel credit card to earn extra points or cashback on discounted bookings.

7. Book with Flexibility: If available, choose options with free cancellation or 24-hour refund windows for peace of mind.

The weeks leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Week have become one of the best times of the year to book travel. Whether you are eyeing a relaxing cruise, a five-star hotel, or a guided European tour, nearly every travel company participates in this unofficial “travel sale season.”

By planning ahead, staying flexible, and using the right tools, you can save hundreds on your next getaway and travel smarter all year long.

So, keep your eyes on those early November announcements, set up price alerts, and get ready to grab your dream vacation for less. Happy deal hunting and even happier travels.