Crowded airport terminal with travelers and luggage during busy holiday travel season.

Thanksgiving Travel: The Busiest Days to Travel and How to Make the Journey Easier

Beth Glosner  | 

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gathering around the table, eating entirely too much food, and spending time with the people you love.

Getting there? That’s another story.

Every year, millions of Americans hit the road or head to the airport for Thanksgiving. And while the holiday itself may be centered around one Thursday, the travel rush stretches well beyond a single day. Crowded airports, packed highways, higher airfares, winter weather, and the occasional delayed flight can turn a short holiday trip into an adventure you didn’t exactly ask for.

Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26, which means the biggest travel days will likely fall around the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday and the Sunday and Monday afterward.

If you’re planning to travel this Thanksgiving, a little advance planning can save you from spending your holiday sitting in an airport security line wondering why you didn’t just stay home.

Let’s Dig.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here

Thanksgiving Is One of the Busiest Times to Travel

Thanksgiving consistently ranks among the busiest travel periods of the year. AAA says Thanksgiving is the country’s busiest holiday for travel, and its 2026 guidance recommends getting your holiday travel plans underway early.

And it’s not just the airports you’ll need to think about.

Most Thanksgiving travelers travel by car, which means highways can become just as crowded as airport terminals. In 2025, AAA projected nearly 82 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, with more than 73 million traveling by automobile.

The exact numbers will change from year to year, but the pattern is remarkably consistent: lots of people want to be somewhere else at roughly the same time.

And that’s when travel gets interesting.

The Busiest Thanksgiving Travel Days

If you have flexibility with your schedule, choosing your travel days carefully can make a noticeable difference.

For Thanksgiving 2026, AAA specifically identifies Tuesday, November 24, and Wednesday, November 25, as days travelers should expect particularly heavy airport crowds. Those are the two days immediately before Thanksgiving and historically among the busiest travel days of the holiday period.

Then comes the return trip.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving—November 29, 2026—is likely to be especially busy. In recent years, the Sunday after Thanksgiving has repeatedly been the busiest day of the holiday travel period at U.S. airports. TSA data from previous Thanksgiving periods shows just how dramatic that Sunday return rush can be.

Monday, November 30, can also be busy as travelers who extended their holiday head home.

If you can be flexible:

Consider traveling:

  • Monday, November 23
  • Thanksgiving Day, November 26
  • Friday, November 27
  • Tuesday or Wednesday after Thanksgiving

Consider avoiding:

  • Tuesday, November 24
  • Wednesday, November 25
  • Sunday, November 29

That doesn’t mean the quieter days will be empty. Nothing involving holiday travel is likely to resemble an abandoned airport terminal. But avoiding the biggest peaks can give you more breathing room and a bit less stress.

Pro tip: If you’re flying, look beyond the obvious Thursday-to-Sunday schedule. A one-day shift in either direction may mean fewer crowds and potentially better fares.

When Should You Book Your Thanksgiving Flight?

Here’s where things get a little more complicated.

There isn’t one magical day when every Thanksgiving flight suddenly becomes cheap. Airline pricing changes constantly based on demand, route, availability, and timing.

AAA’s current 2026 guidance says the sweet spot for Thanksgiving airfare is around 35 days before the holiday, with lower fares generally appearing within a broader window of roughly 24 to 59 days before Thanksgiving. For 2026, that puts the prime booking period roughly from late September through early November.

That doesn’t mean you should wait until exactly 35 days before your trip to book.

If you already know where you’re going, have specific flight times you need, or are traveling with other people, availability matters just as much as price.

AAA also reports that many travelers who delay booking in hopes of finding a better deal later wind up paying more. Its 2026 holiday-planning research found that travelers who begin planning earlier generally have more choices and flexibility.

In other words, waiting until the last minute isn’t necessarily a money-saving strategy.

Sometimes it’s just a strategy for getting the middle seat, and nobody wants that seat. Unless you are a toddler or petite.

Give Yourself Extra Time at the Airport

If you’ve flown during a normal week, you probably have a pretty good idea of how long it takes you to get through the airport.

Forget that estimate during Thanksgiving week.

AAA recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights, particularly during busy holiday periods.

You’ll need time for:

  • Parking or returning a rental car
  • Getting to the terminal
  • Checking luggage
  • Going through security
  • Finding your gate
  • Dealing with unexpected lines

And if you’re flying from a particularly busy airport, you may want even more time.

I’d much rather sit at the gate with a cup of coffee than be the person sprinting through the terminal while everyone else watches.

Pro tip: Check your airport’s current security wait times and TSA guidance before leaving home. And if you qualify for TSA PreCheck, holiday travel can be a good time to appreciate why you signed up.

Consider Carry-On Only

If you can manage it, traveling with only a carry-on can make holiday travel considerably easier.

You don’t have to wait at baggage claim.

You don’t have to worry about whether your suitcase made the same connection you did.

And if your flight is canceled or significantly disrupted, having your essentials with you gives you more flexibility.

Of course, carry-on travel isn’t practical for everyone, especially if you’re bringing gifts, traveling for an extended period, or visiting somewhere cold enough to require half your closet.

But for a short Thanksgiving trip, it’s worth considering.

Just remember that TSA’s rules for liquids and other restricted items still apply. Before packing, check the current rules directly with TSA rather than relying on something you remember from your last trip.

Don’t Forget About Thanksgiving Weather

Thanksgiving arrives just as winter weather begins making travel more unpredictable across much of the country.

Snow, ice, heavy rain, strong winds, and fog can cause delays even when everything else is running smoothly.

If you’re flying, check the forecast for:

Your departure city → connecting airport → destination

A sunny forecast where you’re leaving doesn’t help much if your connecting airport or final destination is dealing with an ice storm.

And if you’re driving, check conditions along your entire route, not just at home.

The National Weather Service is a good place to start for current forecasts and winter-weather alerts. National Weather Service or Weather Underground.

Pro tip: If winter weather is a concern, consider booking an earlier flight rather than the last flight of the day. AAA specifically recommends avoiding the last flight when possible during winter because weather-related disruptions can create a domino effect throughout the day.

Give Yourself a Buffer When Driving

If you’re driving to Thanksgiving dinner, don’t assume Google Maps’ normal travel time will apply.

Holiday traffic can turn a four-hour drive into something considerably longer. And if your route takes you through or near a major city, pay attention to when you’ll be arriving in that area, not just when you’ll leave home.

Before you head out, look at your route and figure out when you’ll reach the busiest part of your drive. If you’re traveling through a major city, check when traffic typically gets heaviest there and work backward to determine what time you need to leave home. You may find that leaving an hour earlier or even shifting your departure to a different part of the day can help you avoid the worst congestion. Most normal congestion is workers’ commuter time, so from 7 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and about 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

AAA’s Thanksgiving travel guidance has consistently found the heaviest road congestion around the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving, with another major rush occurring as travelers return home after the holiday. If you have flexibility, leaving early in the morning or shifting your trip to a less congested day can make a big difference.

And please don’t let Thanksgiving traffic turn into a road-trip version of The Hunger Games.

Leave extra space between you and the car ahead. Take breaks. Keep your phone out of your hand. And if weather or traffic becomes dangerous, slow down.

Arriving later is better than not getting there at all.

What About Flight Delays and Cancellations?

This is one area where it’s particularly important to know your rights.

Under current U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, if an airline cancels your flight or makes a significant change or delay, you may be entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel or accept the airline’s alternative transportation or compensation.

That applies even if you purchased a nonrefundable ticket.

However, there is an important distinction: if you accept the significantly changed or delayed flight and travel, you generally aren’t entitled to a ticket refund under these rules.

If you’re offered a rebooking, travel credit, or voucher, don’t automatically click “accept” before understanding your options.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s refund information is a good page to bookmark before a major trip.

And remember that airline policies regarding meals, hotels, transportation, and other amenities can vary. The DOT’s Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard lets you see what individual airlines commit to provide for controllable delays and cancellations.

Airport flight status board showing multiple flights canceled, with blue cancellation indicators and flight numbers listed.

Check Your Bags Before You Leave Home

This sounds obvious.

And yet…

Before you head to the airport, empty your bag and repack it deliberately.

TSA recommends checking your luggage before leaving home so you don’t accidentally arrive at security with something you can’t take through the checkpoint. Trust me on this one. I forgot I had an empty shell casing from my father’s funeral 5 years ago in my suitcase. Luckily, the TSA people were kind, but that is not always the case.

It’s especially easy during Thanksgiving to throw things into a bag at the last minute, particularly food, gifts, liquids, or items you don’t normally travel with.

If you’re wondering whether something can go in your carry-on, check TSA’s What Can I Bring tool before you leave.

It’s much easier to discover a problem in your living room than at the security checkpoint.

A Few Ways to Make Thanksgiving Travel Less Stressful

You can’t control the weather.

You can’t control an airline delay.

And unfortunately, you can’t control the person who decides that standing directly in front of the baggage carousel is the perfect place to wait for their suitcase.

But you can control some of the variables.

Before you leave:

  • Check your flight status before heading to the airport.
  • Check the weather—not just at home, but at your destination and along your route.
  • Download your airline’s app so you can get updates quickly.
  • Save your boarding pass to your phone. I also carry a paper copy. I know, it’s probably overkill, but you never know when your phone might decide to misbehave.
  • Check your airport’s parking situation before you leave. Holiday parking can fill up quickly.
  • Pack medications and other essentials in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.
  • Charge your phone before you leave.
  • Bring a portable charger. Your phone is your lifeline when travel plans go sideways.
  • Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Holiday travel has a funny way of turning a normal trip into an adventure you didn’t ask for.
  • Have a backup plan in case your flight is delayed or canceled.

If you’re driving, prepare for the unexpected, too.

My dad had one piece of winter-driving advice that has always stuck with me: fill up the gas tank when you reach half a tank. His thinking was simple: if you get stuck in traffic because of an accident, road closure, or winter weather, you don’t want to be worrying about how much gas you have left.

And while we’re at it, keep a few emergency supplies in the car:

  • A warm wool or fleece blanket in case you get stuck on the highway.
  • Bottled water and some nonperishable snacks.
  • A basic emergency kit.
  • A flashlight with fresh batteries.
  • Extra layers, gloves, and a hat if you’re traveling somewhere cold.
  • A phone charger or portable power bank.
  • A full or partially full gas tank—don’t wait until the warning light comes on.
  • Check road conditions before you leave and again during your trip if weather is changing.

You may never need any of these things. That’s the point. Being prepared means you don’t have to panic if the unexpected happens.

If you’re planning a longer road trip, I also put together a list of 20 Must-Have Road Trip Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without. It includes everything from a refillable water bottle and portable charger to a first-aid kit, flashlight, tire pressure gauge, snacks, and even a small cooler. Because sometimes it’s the little things you didn’t think about that you end up needing most.

Car trunk packed with blankets, emergency kit, water bottles, flashlight, and snacks for a safe Thanksgiving travel journey.

The Best Thanksgiving Travel Advice? Don’t Rush.

Thanksgiving travel can be stressful.

But it doesn’t have to begin the moment you walk out the front door.

Build some breathing room into your trip.

Leave earlier. Choose a less crowded travel day if you can. Give yourself time at the airport. Pack snacks. Download something good to read. Put on your favorite playlist.

And if something goes wrong?

Take a breath.

You may arrive later than planned, but you’re still on your way.

The goal isn’t to have a perfectly efficient Thanksgiving journey. It’s to arrive safely, hopefully with your luggage, and be able to enjoy the people and place waiting for you.

Because the best part of holiday travel isn’t getting through the airport.

It’s finally getting there.

A Quick Thanksgiving Travel Cheat Sheet

Thanksgiving 2026: Thursday, November 26

Likely busiest airport days: Tuesday, November 24; Wednesday, November 25; Sunday, November 29

Potentially easier travel days: Monday, November 23; Thanksgiving Day; Friday, November 27

Book early: AAA’s 2026 guidance points to late September through early November as a useful Thanksgiving booking window.

Arrive early: AAA recommends at least two hours before domestic flights.

Check weather: Especially if you’re traveling through areas prone to snow, ice, or severe weather.

Know your rights: Check the DOT’s current refund rules if your flight is canceled or significantly changed.

And before you head out, take one last look at the forecast, your flight status, and your packing list.

Then go enjoy Thanksgiving.

Even if getting there takes a little longer than you’d hoped.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


–Beth

Sources & useful travel links

For current information, I recommend checking these directly before traveling:

Travel packing list including toiletries, camera, notebook, sunglasses, and water bottle on a hotel bed.

Little Travel Habits That Make a Big Difference

Beth Glosner  | 

Travel doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. In fact, some of the things that make a trip easier aren’t big travel hacks or elaborate packing systems. They’re the little habits you pick up along the way the ones that save you time, money, frustration, or that inevitable moment when you stand in a hotel room wondering where you put your phone charger.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that a few simple habits can make a surprisingly big difference when you travel, especially solo. They help you feel more prepared without turning your vacation into a military operation. So here are some of my favorite little travel habits that make a big difference. 

Let’s Dig In.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

Quick-Glance: My Favorite Little Travel Habits

If you’re short on time, start here:

  • Best money-saving habit: Choose your hotel based on location, not just price.
  • Best planning trick: Save restaurants, attractions, coffee shops, and other useful places on Google Maps.
  • Best hotel hack: Pack a couple of binder clips.
  • Best solo-travel habit: Leave some empty space in your itinerary.
  • Best navigation trick: Keep your hotel’s address and phone number handy.
  • Best coming-home habit: Clean your house before you leave.
  • Best sanity saver: Have an easy meal waiting when you get home.

These may sound like tiny things. That’s the point. You don’t need to reinvent your entire travel routine. Sometimes one small change is enough to make a trip noticeably easier.

What Should You Do Before a Trip?

Choose Your Hotel for Location, Not Just Price

We’ve all been tempted by the hotel that’s $30 cheaper. But before you grab that bargain, check where it actually is.

A hotel close to the places you want to visit can save you money on transportation, reduce driving time, and make it much easier to pop back to your room when you need a break. This is especially useful when you’re traveling solo and don’t want to spend half your day getting from Point A to Point B.

I would rather pay a little more for a comfortable hotel in a convenient location than save money on a hotel that’s miles away from everything. Your vacation time is valuable, too.

Little travel habit: When comparing hotels, look at the location and transportation costs, not just the nightly rate.

Sometimes the best hotel isn’t the cheapest one—it’s the one that puts you close to the fun.

Save Places on Google Maps

One of my favorite pre-trip habits is saving places on Google Maps before I leave home.

I’ll save the attractions I want to visit, restaurants I’d like to try, coffee shops, museums, grocery stores, public restrooms, and anything else that might come in handy. If a restaurant turns out to be closed or simply isn’t worth writing home about, I already have other options nearby.

This also keeps you from wandering around hungry while trying to decide where to eat. And we’ve all been there. Suddenly every restaurant looks questionable because you’re hungry enough to consider eating the emergency granola bar hiding at the bottom of your purse.

If you’re traveling somewhere with spotty service, download the area for offline use before you leave.

Little travel habit: Don’t just save the places you want to visit. Save the places you’ll be glad to have when plans change.

A little map prep now can save a lot of “Where do I go from here?” later.

Follow Local Attractions Before You Arrive

Museums, historic sites, restaurants, markets, and other local businesses often share special events, temporary exhibits, festivals, closures, and seasonal activities on social media.

Following them before your trip can help you discover something that wasn’t on your original itinerary.

It can also help you avoid showing up somewhere only to discover that the museum is closed for a private event. 

Pro tip: Check official websites and social accounts a few days before your visit for updated hours, special events, and ticket information. If an attraction requires timed admission, pre-book your tickets when possible.

What Are Some Easy Hotel Hacks?

Pack a Couple of Binder Clips

This may be one of the simplest things in my suitcase, but binder clips have earned their place.

Hotel curtains don’t always close as tightly as we’d like. A little sliver of morning light somehow has the ability to land directly on your face at 6:02 a.m.

A couple of binder clips can hold the curtains together and help keep the room darker. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and take up almost no room in your luggage.

Little travel habit: Toss two or three binder clips into your toiletry bag or travel pouch. You never know when they’ll save the day or at least your sleep.

Bring a Small Night-Light

If you’re staying somewhere unfamiliar, navigating a completely dark hotel room in the middle of the night isn’t always easy.

I like bringing a small battery-operated tea light or night-light that can sit in the bathroom. It gives you enough light to find your way without turning on every light in the room and feeling like you’ve wandered onto a movie set.

It’s particularly helpful if you’re traveling solo and don’t want to spend the first night memorizing where the furniture is by bumping into it.

Little travel habit: Pack a tiny battery-operated light for unfamiliar hotel rooms.

Check the Room Before You Unpack

This one can save you a lot of hassle.

Before you scatter your belongings around the room, take a few minutes to check everything. Turn on the lights. Check the air conditioning or heat. Run the shower. Look at the towels. Make sure the outlets are accessible and that the refrigerator or microwave works if those amenities are important to you.

If something isn’t right, it’s much easier to request another room before you’ve turned your suitcase into a yard sale.

Little travel habit: Do your room inspection before unpacking.

Five minutes of checking the room can save you from moving rooms after you’ve unpacked everything.

How Can You Make a Destination Easier to Explore?

Don’t Fill Every Minute of Your Itinerary

One of the best travel habits I’ve learned is to leave some blank space in the schedule.

You don’t have to see everything. In fact, trying to see everything can make a trip feel more like a scavenger hunt than a vacation.

Give yourself time to sit at a coffee shop, wander down an interesting street, browse a bookstore, relax at the hotel, or simply change your plans because you feel like it.

Your first and last days are especially good places to build in some breathing room.

Little travel habit: Schedule fewer things than you think you can accomplish.

Future-you will thank you.

Take a Walking or Sightseeing Tour Early in Your Trip

If you’re visiting a new city, consider taking a walking tour, sightseeing tour, or hop-on/hop-off bus tour near the beginning of your stay.

It’s an easy way to get a feel for the layout of a destination without spending hours trying to figure it out yourself. You may also discover neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, or attractions you’d like to return to later.

There’s another benefit, too: if you’ve just spent hours traveling, a relaxed sightseeing tour can help you get oriented without requiring you to immediately become the world’s most energetic tourist.

Little travel habit: Use your first day to get the lay of the land instead of trying to conquer the entire destination.

Sometimes the best way to start exploring is simply to slow down and look around.

Keep Your Hotel Information Handy

This is especially useful when you’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar.

Take a hotel business card from the front desk or save the hotel’s name, address, and phone number in your phone. If you’re using a taxi or rideshare—or simply get turned around—you’ll have the information you need.

This is one of those tiny habits you may never need. But if you do need it, you’ll be very happy you thought ahead.

Little travel habit: Keep your hotel’s address somewhere easy to access, even when you think you’ll remember it.

How Can You Make Coming Home Easier?

Clean Your House Before You Leave

This might sound strange on a travel list, but it’s one of my favorite habits.

Before I leave for a trip, I try to straighten up, change the sheets, do the laundry, clean out the refrigerator, and generally leave my home in decent shape.

Why?

Because coming home to a clean house feels wonderful.

After traveling, the last thing I want to do is walk through the door with a suitcase full of laundry and immediately start cleaning. I’d much rather come home, unpack, shower, put on comfortable clothes, and relax.

Little travel habit: Leave your home the way you want to find it.

Have Food Waiting for You

I also like to make sure there’s something easy to eat when I get home.

Depending on the trip, that might mean ordering groceries ahead of time for delivery, arranging a grocery pickup, or leaving a few easy meals in the freezer or pantry.

There’s something particularly satisfying about arriving home exhausted and knowing you don’t have to figure out dinner.

Because “standing in front of an empty refrigerator at 8 p.m. wondering if crackers count as dinner” is not the homecoming I recommend. Though if you add some hummus and cheese, then you at least have girl dinner.

Little travel habit: Plan your first meal at home before you leave.

Give Yourself a Buffer Day

If you can, don’t schedule something important for the morning after you return.

I often tell people I’ll be home the day after I actually arrive home. That gives me a little breathing room in case of a delayed flight, long drive, bad weather, or simply needing an extra day to recover from being a human suitcase.

Even if everything goes perfectly, having a buffer makes the transition from travel mode to regular life much easier.

Little travel habit: Build recovery time into your trip—not just sightseeing time.

Why Little Travel Habits Matter

None of these tips are particularly complicated. That’s what I like about them.

You don’t need expensive travel gear, a perfectly organized suitcase, or a color-coded itinerary. You just need a few habits that make the predictable parts of travel easier.

And when you’re traveling solo, those little conveniences can make an even bigger difference. Knowing where you’re going, having backup options, giving yourself time to rest, and making sure you have an easy landing at home can take some of the pressure off.

Travel should challenge you in good ways: trying a new food, wandering through an unfamiliar neighborhood, talking to someone you wouldn’t normally meet. You don’t need to make the rest of the trip harder just for the sake of it.

Little Habits, Easier Travels

Travel doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Sometimes it’s the little things: the hotel you chose because it was close to everything, the restaurants you saved on your phone, the binder clips keeping the curtains closed, or the meal waiting for you when you get home that make the biggest difference.

None of these habits will make your trip completely effortless, and honestly, I don’t think that’s the goal. Travel is supposed to have a few surprises along the way. That’s part of the adventure. But when you can make the predictable parts a little easier, you have more time and energy for the things you actually traveled for.

The best part? You don’t have to adopt every tip at once. Try one or two on your next trip and see what works for you. Before long, those little habits may become part of your regular travel routine—and future-you will be very happy you started.

I’d love to know: What little travel habit makes your trips easier? Do you have a packing trick, hotel hack, planning shortcut, or coming-home ritual that you swear by? Share it in the comments. There are always more little ways to make a big adventure just a bit easier.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

 Beth

A large luxury cruise ship sailing on calm ocean waters during sunset, with the sun setting on the horizon and a partly cloudy sky.

Wave Season: When to Book a Cruise for the Best Deals

Beth Glosner  | 

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?

‘Tis the season, cruisers! By season, I mean Wave Season, that wonderful time of year when cruise lines roll out promotions, upgrades, onboard credits, and other incentives to tempt you onto a ship. Wave Season generally runs from January through March, although some cruise lines start promoting deals as early as December. (Cruise Critic)

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise next year, or even have a particular bucket-list sailing in mind, don’t wait until January to start thinking about it. Fall is your time to research, compare, and make a plan. Then, when the January promotions start rolling in, you’ll know what you want and, more importantly, what a good deal actually looks like.

Let’s Dig In.

Quick-Glance Cruise Planning Guide

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s your bite-sized version:

  • Best time to watch for cruise deals: January–March
  • Best time to start researching: Fall
  • Deals can begin: December, including around Black Friday and Cyber Monday
  • Common promotions: Reduced fares, onboard credit, upgrades, Wi-Fi, drinks, dining, and gratuities
  • Best strategy: Know the normal price before you see the sale price
  • Don’t forget: Compare the entire package, not just the advertised discount
  • For popular itineraries: Consider booking early rather than waiting for a last-minute deal

AAA currently identifies January through March as Wave Season and notes that cruise lines commonly offer reduced fares, onboard credits, cabin upgrades, and other perks during this period. (AAA)

What Is Wave Season for Cruises?

So, what exactly is this mysterious “Wave Season” everyone keeps talking about?

It’s basically cruise shopping season. January through March is traditionally a major promotional period for cruise lines and travel agencies. Cruise companies use the season to encourage travelers to book upcoming sailings, often sweetening the deal with fare discounts or extras. (Cruise Critic)

And we’re not necessarily talking about simply slapping a giant “SALE!” sticker on a cruise fare.

Wave Season promotions can include reduced fares, lower deposits, cabin upgrades, onboard credit, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, gratuities, airfare, hotel stays, or other perks, depending on the cruise line and sailing. (Cruise Critic)

In other words, the cruise line may not always give you the cheapest possible fare. Instead, it may give you more for the money.

And sometimes, that’s the better deal.

Why Should You Start Planning Your Cruise in the Fall?

Because January-you will thank fall-you.

Think of fall as your cruise research season. This is when you can browse destinations, compare cruise lines, investigate itineraries, and figure out what kind of cruise actually sounds like your idea of a vacation.

Do you want to float through the Caribbean with a book in hand? Explore Alaska? Wander through Mediterranean ports? Try a river cruise? Or perhaps you’ve been dreaming about somewhere completely different.

Start building your cruise wish list.

Then narrow it down to a few specific itineraries and sailings. Write down the current fare, cabin category, travel dates, what’s included, and any perks being offered.

You can even create a simple spreadsheet.

I know. I just heard half of you say, “Beth, it’s a vacation, not a research project.”

Fair. 

But I do like a good project, especially when it lands me in a new destination.

Only five minutes of organization in October can save you from opening 37 browser tabs in January while muttering, “Wait…was this the cruise with the free drinks?”

Travel planning setup with laptop, travel guides, passport, and maps for cruise booking.
Fall is for research. January is for comparing those tempting cruise promotions.

How Do You Know If a Cruise Deal Is Actually a Good Deal?

Here’s where your fall homework becomes useful.

When a cruise line announces “50% off!”, your first instinct might be to grab your credit card.

Instead, pause.

What was the fare before the promotion? Did they mark the price up and then give it the ½ off?  What’s included now? Is the discount available for the cabin you want? Are taxes and fees included? Is the offer limited to certain sailings?

Cruise Critic recommends comparing the complete offer because Wave Season promotions can vary by itinerary, cabin category, sailing date, and booking requirements. (Cruise Critic)

This is why I recommend keeping those screenshots and notes from fall.

You aren’t trying to become a cruise-industry accountant.

You’re simply giving yourself something to compare.

Below’s templete link https://canva.link/8crl5ou02ghefpm

Comparison chart of cruise options including Royal Caribbean, Viking, Caribbean Princess, Norwegian, and Disney with features and prices.

What Cruise Deals Can You Find During Wave Season?

Reduced Cruise Fares

The most obvious promotion is a reduced fare.

You may see percentage discounts, dollar-amount savings, companion offers, reduced deposits, or other fare promotions.

But remember: the biggest percentage isn’t automatically the biggest savings.

Look at the actual price you would pay for the cabin and sailing you want.

Cruise Extras and Bonuses

This is where things get interesting.

Some Wave Season promotions bundle extras such as:

  • Onboard credit
  • Beverage packages
  • Wi-Fi
  • Specialty dining
  • Prepaid gratuities
  • Shore excursions
  • Airfare credits
  • Hotel stays
  • Reduced deposits

Cruise Critic notes that these added perks can sometimes provide more value than simply reducing the cruise fare. (Cruise Critic)

For example, if you were already planning to purchase Wi-Fi and a beverage package, getting them included could make a promotion much more useful to you than a slightly larger fare discount.

Cabin Upgrades

And then there’s the cabin upgrade.

Maybe you’ve been looking at an inside cabin but would really love an ocean view. Or perhaps you’ve decided that this is finally the year you want that balcony.

A Wave Season promotion may include an upgrade or make a higher cabin category more accessible.

Just make sure you compare the original cabin price and the upgraded offer.

Sometimes the best cruise deal isn’t the lowest fare—it’s getting more of the experience you actually want.

Should You Book a Cruise in January?

January is certainly a month worth watching.

AAA’s current cruise guidance specifically identifies January through March as Wave Season and says cruise lines offer some of their strongest incentives during this period. (AAA)

Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Wave Season coverage also described January through March as prime time for cruise promotions, with examples ranging from fare savings to complimentary upgrades and onboard credits. (Condé Nast Traveler)

But here’s the important part: January isn’t a magic button that guarantees the lowest possible price on every cruise.

Cruise pricing changes, and promotions have restrictions. A particular itinerary may be more attractive in January, while another sailing may have a different pricing pattern.

That’s why your fall research matters so much.

You’re not blindly waiting for January.

You’re watching January.

Relaxing on a cruise ship deck with two wooden chairs overlooking the ocean during sunset, perfect for a vacation or travel planning.
Wave Season Begin

Should You Use a Travel Agent to Book a Cruise?

It can be worth comparing what a travel advisor can offer.

A travel advisor may have access to additional promotions, onboard credits, upgrades, or other amenities depending on the cruise line and booking. AAA specifically recommends considering a travel advisor when planning a cruise. (AAA)

Here’s what I’d do: find the exact sailing you’re interested in and ask an advisor for a quote.

Then compare that quote with the cruise line’s direct offer.

Don’t just compare the bottom-line price. Look at everything included.

And if you’re a first-time cruiser, having someone who can explain deposits, cancellation policies, cabin categories, dining, excursions, and all those little cruise details can be especially helpful.

📸 Photo idea: A cozy desk with a laptop showing a cruise itinerary, notebook, and phone.

  • Caption: A good travel advisor can help you navigate the details before you set sail.

Can You Use Credit Card Rewards to Save on a Cruise?

Potentially, but this is one area where I recommend keeping your common sense firmly on deck.

If you’ve already been considering a travel rewards credit card, a large cruise purchase might help you meet a welcome-bonus spending requirement.

But don’t open a credit card simply because you’re booking a cruise.

Look at the annual fee, spending requirement, interest rate, rewards, and terms. And only spend what you can comfortably pay off exceptionally in this economy.

Sipping a piña colada while worrying about a credit card balance is not relaxing.

How to Prepare for Wave Season

Before January arrives, make yourself a little Wave Season checklist:

☐ Choose your dream destinations

☐ Compare cruise lines

☐ Research specific itineraries

☐ Decide what cabin category you want

☐ Set your cruise budget

☐ Record current prices

☐ Note what’s included

☐ Check cancellation policies

☐ Watch for December promotions

☐ Compare January–March offers

☐ Check the fine print before booking

Most importantly, don’t let a sale convince you to book a cruise you don’t actually want.

A $1,000 cruise you weren’t planning to take is still $1,000 you weren’t planning to spend.

Do the research, watch the deals, then pack your bags.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Wave Season

Is January the best month to book a cruise?

January is the beginning of Wave Season, which generally runs through March. Cruise lines commonly introduce significant promotions during this period, making January an important month to watch for cruise deals. (AAA)

When does cruise Wave Season start?

Wave Season traditionally begins in January, although cruise lines may begin promoting offers as early as December. Some promotions can even appear around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. (Cruise Critic)

What kind of cruise deals are offered during Wave Season?

Promotions can include reduced fares, onboard credit, cabin upgrades, reduced deposits, Wi-Fi, beverage packages, specialty dining, gratuities, airfare credits, and other extras. Offers vary by cruise line and sailing. (Cruise Critic)

Should I wait until January to book a cruise?

Not necessarily. If you have a specific itinerary, sailing date, or cabin category in mind, availability matters. AAA recommends booking popular itineraries well in advance, while Wave Season can provide an opportunity to compare promotional offers. (AAA)

How can I tell if a Wave Season cruise deal is good?

Compare the total value, not just the advertised discount. Look at the fare, cabin category, taxes and fees, included perks, cancellation terms, and any additional costs you would normally pay.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Ride the Wave

Cruise shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Start in the fall. Make your wish list. Research your favorite destinations and itineraries. Record the prices. Decide what matters most to you.

Then, when December and January roll around, you won’t be frantically trying to figure out whether “free Wi-Fi” is actually a good deal when you don’t even know what the cruise cost last month.

You’ll know.

Wave Season is about January through March, but the smartest part of your cruise planning can happen months before the promotions begin.

Do your homework, compare the entire package, read the fine print, and look for the cruise that fits your travel style and budget.

Then grab your passport.

The waves are calling.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring! 

–Beth