CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Year after year, holiday travel expenses seem to creep up. Experts agreed, this year is extra challenging, having to manage those costs as inflation and holiday gift purchases add up, but it is doable.
Half the country is traveling for the holiday season with about 75 percent of them using a credit card to pay for your travels.
Managing editor for The Points Guy Clint Henderson talked to WCNC Charlotte's anchor and reporter Jane Monreal about how to keep out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum, including when it's best to use your rewards points and miles.
"You want to use those points and miles when cash prices are at their highest," Henderson said. "And right now, it's last minute for travel. So you can get maximum value by using your points and miles."
He said, if you are doing some holiday shopping, look at your credit card's shopping portal.
"A lot of times they offer bonus miles or bonus cashback if you shop for your holiday gifts through the portal," Henderson said. "That can be a huge money saver."
That goes for any purchase, not just travel-related gifts.
"Finally, look to see if you have a potential to wipe away charges," Henderson added. "A lot of times you'll have a credit card that will let you actually pay yourself back to wipe away some of those holiday expenses."
Henderson said, while the travel industry is surpassing pre-pandemic levels, it's still possible to see airlines offer last-minute availability for points miles so it's worth to check them regularly."
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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