Why it’s not too early to book your family’s 2025 Christmas vacation
Editor's Note
Thanksgiving and Christmas have only just come and gone, but it's never too early to plan for the next holiday period — especially if you want the most flexibility and cash savings.
It goes without saying that peak travel periods — like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's — are in high demand. Booking early will usually lock in the best options for flights and stays.
The 2025 holiday season may be months away, but now is when many sought-after hotels and flights start filling up. If you wait too long, you won’t miss your chance to travel, but you will likely face higher costs or limited availability.
Booking now can give you peace of mind and maximize your chances of snagging great deals.
Even if your plans aren’t finalized, it's still worth reserving a few flights or stay options with flexible cancellation policies; after all, if you change your mind, you can always cancel and rebook elsewhere later.
Here’s how to approach 2025 holiday planning to get the best cash, points and miles savings now.
Be flexible to maximize savings
Dynamic award pricing has become standard across more and more hotel chains in recent years, so you’ll often pay more points for stays during peak travel times. If you can leverage extra flexibility during these periods, you can find great deals.
For example, booking a stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar before Dec. 20 can save you significant points compared to staying during the peak holiday period.
Adjusting your travel dates slightly can sometimes open up off-peak award availability with flights and hotel stays.
Use tools like Hyatt’s points calendar to identify the best redemption opportunities. The Points Path Chrome plug-in is helpful when surfing Google Flights.
Just remember to act quickly when you find a deal because availability can disappear fast, even this early in the year.
Lock flights in early and use airline change and cancellation policies
Most major airlines allow you to book flights about 330 to 365 days in advance. But this can vary with budget airlines — including Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
Here's a breakdown of when we generally see bookings open with some of the major U.S. airlines:
| Airline | Booking window |
|---|---|
Alaska Airlines | Up to 330 days ahead of departure |
Allegiant Air | Six to nine months ahead of departure |
American Airlines | Up to 331 days ahead of departure |
Delta Air Lines | Up to 331 days ahead of departure |
Frontier Airlines | Five months ahead of departure |
JetBlue Airways | Up to 331 days ahead of departure |
Hawaiian Airlines | Up to 330 days ahead of departure |
Southwest Airlines | Six to nine months ahead of departure |
Spirit Airlines | 10 to 11 months ahead of departure |
United Airlines | Up to 330 days ahead of departure |
Airlines have become much more flexible with their change and cancellation policies, allowing you to book now with confidence that you could change your trip later if you find something else.
Related: How to avoid airline change and cancellation fees
Major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer no-fee cancellations on award flights, meaning your points or miles will be refunded if your plans change.
Taxes and fees are typically refunded to your original payment method, making it even easier to adjust your itinerary without penalty.
If you have the cash or points, booking multiple flight options ahead of time is a good strategy, and it can ensure you have plenty of options when the time comes.
Booking early also helps you secure better flight times and lower points costs; award availability tends to dwindle closer to the holidays, and travelers snag deals quickly when they're released.
Look for price drops
Don’t stop your searches simply because you’ve already booked a great deal. Even after booking your flights or hotel stays, keep an eye on prices. If cash fares or points requirements drop, you can often rebook them at a lower rate and then cancel to get a refund on your original booking.
Related: Airlines that offer you a credit if the price of airfare drops
Airlines like Southwest make this particularly easy by allowing you to reprice your flight online without needing to cancel.
Other airlines may require a full cancellation and rebooking process, but with no change fees, the effort is worth it. Regularly monitoring your reservations can help you lock in the best possible deals.
Start earning points now
If your points balance is running low, the beginning of the year is a great time to put your earning strategy in place for the rest of the year. It gives you ample time to build up your points balances before last-chance holiday booking periods.
Related: How to earn over 300,000 points in 2025
American Express, for example, offers some great travel cards with generous welcome bonuses and earning opportunities.
For example, for the American Express® Gold Card find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. With 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 spent in a calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, it’s a great choice for frequent travelers.
For those who want premium perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express allows you to find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Benefits include access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program, complimentary airport lounge access and 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or on American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). The Amex Platinum has an annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees).
You can transfer Membership Rewards points to Amex’s extensive list of airline and hotel travel partners, including Delta and Marriott.
Of course, award availability and the number of points required can always change. So, it's good to plan out how you will earn or transfer the desired amount of points efficiently and quickly, should you need them.
Lock in family-friendly accommodations early
Finding the perfect accommodations for your family is key to a successful holiday trip. Depending on the size of your brood, it can also be incredibly tricky. Larger suites, villas and family-oriented resorts often sell out quickly, so booking early is essential.
Generally speaking, most major hotel chains and properties will open up bookings around 11 to 13 months in advance, which means now is the perfect time to book for most properties.
| Hotel program | Booking window |
|---|---|
Accor Live Limitless | Up to 404 days in advance |
Best Western Rewards | Up to 349 days in advance |
Choice Privileges | Up to 100 days in advance for award bookings, 365 days for Preferred Hotels and 50 weeks for paid stays |
Hilton Honors | Up to 365 days in advance |
IHG One Rewards | Up to 365 days in advance |
Marriott Bonvoy | Up to 354 days in advance |
Radisson Rewards | Up to 730 days in advance |
World of Hyatt | Up to 394 days in advance |
Wyndham Rewards | Up to 364 days in advance |
Look into options like Club Med's all-inclusive resorts or Disney Vacation Club properties, which offer spacious rooms and plenty of amenities for families. These premium accommodations can be especially competitive during the holidays when using points.
Prioritize properties with flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to make adjustments as needed without financial penalties.
Bottom line
The demand for holiday travel continues to rise, and destinations get booked up faster than ever. Planning your Christmas vacation now ensures you secure the best flights, accommodations and points redemption opportunities.
Take advantage of flexible booking policies and start earning points now to make your holiday travel both affordable and stress-free. Whether you dream of a sunny beach getaway, a snowy mountain escape or a cozy family retreat, early planning is your ticket to a memorable and budget-friendly Christmas adventure.
Related reading:
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a beginner or expert traveler
- The best travel credit cards
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 4 things you really need to do in advance of holiday travel
- 7 mistakes to avoid when booking holiday travel
For rates and fees of the Platinum Card from American Express please click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.