How to Score Big on Travel Tuesday Deals

If we’re honest, by the time Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals are over in November, we’ve all done some serious damage to our wallets. But this year, you may want to hold a little of that money back for the real MVP for travel lovers – Travel Tuesday. Travel Tuesday is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S., and is like the hidden gem in the holiday sales lineup, especially for anyone looking for travel deals.

With some preparation, you can snag deals on flights, hotels, cruises, and dreamy vacations at prices that won’t make your bank account cry.

Here’s how to be that savvy traveler who lands the best Travel Tuesday deals.

Follow these steps, add a little flexibility, and you’ll be on your way to affordable adventures in 2025.

Travel Tuesday Tip # 1: Dream Up Your 2025 Travel List

Before Travel Tuesday hits, list places you want to visit next year.

You may have vague wishes like “somewhere warm,” but picking specific destinations can help you laser-focus your search when deals pop up.

Have you been thinking about sipping wine in Tuscany, walking the bustling streets of New York City, or seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska? Write it down.

Knowing your dream destinations helps you not get overwhelmed when searching for the best Travel Tuesday deals.

Travel Tuesday Deal Tip #2: Get Social (Media) About It

Social media isn’t just for cat videos and keeping up with what your friend’s cousin’s dog did last weekend. It’s where travel companies love to drop their biggest deals—sometimes before they even hit their websites.

Follow your favorite hotel brands, airlines, and travel sites on Instagram, Twitter (or X, if that’s what we’re calling it these days), and Facebook.

Turn on notifications for the brands you’re eyeing. It’s a great way to stay in the loop without refreshing pages like a caffeine-fueled robot.

Pro Tip: Some brands even give followers special promo codes or early access. It’s like being in an exclusive club, minus the secret handshake.

Travel Tuesday Deal Tip #3: Research, Research, Research

A little homework goes a long way.

Before Travel Tuesday, visit the websites of hotels and airlines you’re interested in.

Get a feel for their regular rates so you can spot a true deal.

Knowing that Hotel Fancy-Pants usually costs $300 a night means you won’t be duped by a “special deal” that’s only $295.

Bookmark these sites, familiarize yourself with their booking process, and clear those browser cookies. You want your computer to behave like a well-mannered guest, not one that spills the beans on how many times you’ve been stalking hotel rates.

Travel Tuesday Deal #4: Sign Up for Those Emails (Yes, Really)

Normally, cluttered inboxes are the enemy.

But in the travel world, newsletters are gold.

Sign up for “special offers” emails from airlines, hotel chains, and travel sites. If you visit hotel sites in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, many will have a pop-up for you to sign up for their Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Travel Tuesday deals.

It takes two minutes and could land you a deal that’ll have your friends raising their eyebrows at your savvy.

Sure, those emails will pile up unread most days, but come Travel Tuesday, they might just be your ticket (literally) to a fantastic vacation at a fraction of the price.

And hey, unsubscribe is always an option in January.

Travel Tuesday Deal Tip # 5: Have Flexible Dates

Going in with fixed dates is like heading to an all-you-can-eat buffet and only wanting the shrimp. There might be shrimp, but what if there’s a prime rib deal instead?

Flexibility is key.

Mark down a range of dates or even different seasons.

Maybe your original plan was a summer getaway, but suddenly, that location is offering deep discounts for a fall escape —adjust those plans and lean into the adventure.

Being flexible also applies to airports. Think beyond your usual choices; a flight out of a nearby city might be significantly cheaper.

Travel Tuesday Deal Tip #6: Use Those Points Like a Pro

Loyalty points and credit card rewards are made for moments like these.

Travel Tuesday is your chance to combine deals with rewards and double up on savings.

Sign into your loyalty programs and note your balances.

Some platforms even offer special “points plus cash” deals, letting you stretch those rewards further.

And for anyone sitting there thinking, “I never signed up for those programs,”—today’s a good day to start. Future you will thank you.

My favorite way to learn about using miles and points for travel is the Daily Drop newsletter. With the tips I learned from it, I booked our flights for our Mediterranean cruise with airline points.

Travel Tuesday Deal Tip #7: What’s Your Budget?

Impulse buys are tempting when Travel Tuesday deals flash on the screen. “A weekend in Paris for $400? I don’t even need to check the credit card!”

But when reality hits (baggage fees, meals, and sightseeing add up), that budget-friendly trip turns into a splurge.

Before the sales begin, set a clear budget.

Know how much you’re comfortable spending on flights, accommodation, and activities.

When a deal aligns with your budget, you’ll know it’s a go.

Travel Tuesday Deal #8: Don’t Skip Travel Insurance

Travel deals can come with strings attached, like non-refundable bookings, so make sure you read the fine print.

That’s why travel insurance is your safety net. It’s especially handy when your impulsive “why-not” trip to Bali conflicts with an important event you forgot about (like your sister’s wedding).

Double-check policies and add coverage if you’re booking far in advance.

Travel insurance protects your wallet and your peace of mind. Sometimes, spending those extra bucks upfront can save you a lot of regret later.

Travel Tuesday Deal #9: Think Beyond Flights and Hotels

While flight deals and hotel deals get the spotlight, don’t forget about the fun stuff.

What will you actually do once you land?

On Travel Tuesday, tours, attractions, and experiences are often discounted. Some theme parks, tours, and activity providers jump into the sales action.

Picture this: You land a great deal on a New York flight, and then you spot a discount for Broadway tickets or the Empire State Building experience.

Now we’re talking a full-on adventure with all the trimmings.

Travel Tuesday Deal #10: Save Even More Money with Cash-Back Apps

Save even more money by using cash-back apps like Rakuten.

Rakuten works by partnering with thousands of stores to offer users cashback on their online purchases.

Shoppers simply need to create a free Rakuten account and start shopping through Rakuten’s website or app to activate cashback at participating retailers.

Once a purchase is made, Rakuten earns a commission from the retailer and shares a portion of it with the user as cashback.

Payments are issued quarterly through PayPal or check, making it an easy way to save money on routine and travel-related expenses.

Find Travel Tuesday Deals Here

I love searching for travel deals. As I scour the internet and social media, I’ll add the best Travel Tuesday deals I find here.

This section will be regularly updated. Deals may be limited, so read the fine print for dates, pricing, and availability.

Some deals won’t go live until closer to Black Friday, so bookmark this post and return closer to December 3.

Hotel Deals

Booking.com is offering up to 50% off stays worldwide. Explore their deals here.

U.S. Hotels

• Resorts World Las Vegas – offering 40% off rooms and suites
• Westgate New York City Grand Central – offering up to 50% off
• The Wall Street Hotel, NYC – releasing deals soon
• Southernmost Beach Resort, Key West, Florida – 35% off your stay, plus $50 resort credit
• Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri – Rates begin at $159
• Fontainbleu in Miami – Cyber sale up to 30% off; ends Dec. 6
• Miraval Resort Austin – sign up for newsletter to be notified of their biggest sale
• JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country – up to 30% off stays, discounts on ICE! packages – Code D6462

Caribbean/Mexico Hotels

• Princess Hotels & Resorts throughout the Caribbean – offering up to 55% off
• Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico – 25% off all rooms – deal begins Dec. 2
• British Colonial Nassau – 30% off rooms, $30 food/beverage credit, 30% off activities
• Barcelo All-Inclusive Hotel Deals – Up to 55% off all-inclusive deals
• Palace Resorts – family resort with up to 50% off Cancun all-inclusive deals
• Viva Resorts by Wyndham – Buy one, get one free offer

European Hotels

• Room Mate Hotels – up to 45% off with code BFRIDAYRM – good until Dec. 5, 2024

Cruise Deals

• Royal Caribbean Black Friday Deals
• Celebrity Cruises Black Friday Deals
• Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Deals
• Holland America Cruise Deals
• Norwegian Cruise Line Deals

Deals on Tours/Activities

• Get Your Guide – offering up to 50% off unforgettable experiences
• SeaWorld – up to 50% off tickets and passes – good until Dec. 2

Bonus Tips for Travel Tuesday Success

• Set Up Price Alerts: Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to get notified when prices drop. This will save you from endless searches and make you feel like you have a personal travel assistant.
• Compare Prices Across Platforms: Don’t settle for the first deal you see. Cross-check it with other travel sites and booking platforms to make sure it’s as good as it looks.
• Keep an Eye on Time Zones: Travel Tuesday deals might launch at midnight—but which midnight? Knowing the time zone of the travel company can help you pounce on deals as soon as they go live.

Wrapping It Up

With these steps, you’re ready to take on Travel Tuesday like a seasoned pro.

It’s not just about grabbing the first discount that shows up.

A little preparation, some strategic flexibility, and your newfound travel-deal wisdom will set you up for a year of affordable trips that make everyone say, “How did you manage that?”

Looking for more travel gift ideas? Check out my holiday gift guide and stocking stuffer idea pages for some of the best travel gift ideas.

Happy Travel Tuesday hunting!