7 ways it pays to book ahead this year
With the holidays behind us, many people are planning trips for 2025. Traveling is often stressful, but there are things you can do to make it feel less so.
Here are seven ways to book ahead and save this year.
Lyft-DoorDash partnership
Lyft and DoorDash users who link their accounts can take advantage of several perks throughout the year, including:
- 5% off on-demand rides
- 10% off up to four scheduled airport rides, up to four rides per month
- Two free priority pickup upgrades monthly
- Free three-month DashPass trial for new members
Lyft typically offers time-sensitive travel promos throughout the year, so be sure to check your Lyft account for those rollouts.
To participate, link your DoorDash and Lyft accounts here.
UberX Share and Shuttle
Uber rolled out two options for airport-bound travelers to save money. It reintroduced the option to book an UberX Share at 10 airports, specifically:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Riders who book UberX Share can save up to 25% on regular UberX fares, even if they're not matched with a co-rider.
For riders traveling to and from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA), consider booking an Uber Shuttle. For $18 one-way, users can book a shuttle to the airport, up to four seats. Users can book an Uber Shuttle up to seven days in advance and just five minutes before scheduled departure on three different routes to or from LGA. Service is available weekly every 30 minutes, from 5 a.m. through 10:45 p.m.
Rebook your reservations if the price drops
To get the best airfare deal, book airfare and hotel reservations for domestic itineraries at least one or two months in advance and around three or four months in advance for international trips.
In addition to using points and miles to book your travel reservations, consider monitoring your bookings to see if the price drops. If it does, pending your reservation type, you can cancel and rebook at the new price. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your reservations to verify this is an option. For example, many basic economy fares are nonrefundable.
Although all airlines offer a 24-hour free cancellation window, you're subject to varying individual airline policies 24 hours after booking.
Typically, full-fare economy tickets or higher-class tickets are the most flexible, with basic economy tickets being the most restrictive.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines all allow passengers to change their tickets without paying a change fee. Generally, you can rebook and get airline flight credits for any price difference between the two flights.
Alternatively, certain higher-level tickets offer full refunds.
Some ultra-low-cost airlines relaxed change and cancellation fee policies in 2024, making it easier to cancel and rebook.
If you book using airline points or miles, policies usually refund you the points or miles.
Lounge reservations
Due to overcrowding, many airport lounges provide the option to reserve a spot for entry (and some even require it).
For example, the reservation system is now live at the Capital One Landing at D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The restaurant-style lounge concept just opened in November 2024.
If you are planning on visiting an airport lounge during your travels, double-check ahead of time to see if it has a reservation system and whether you can reserve a spot. Some lounges have waitlists, but you cannot book a spot until you arrive at the airport.
This is the case for The Club MDW at Chicago's Midway International Airport (MDW). It has a timed entry system that you can only join in real time by scanning the QR code at the door.
National park reservations
Many U.S. national parks require timed entry reservations on specific days throughout the year during peak travel dates. Some of these national parks include Mount Rainier, Yosemite, Glacier, Arches and Rocky Mountain.
Several parks require permits to access specific areas like campgrounds. This is the case at Zion, Arches, Shenandoah, Acadia, Haleakala and Great Smoky Mountains.
Before visiting, double-check the entry requirements at each national park.
Tourist sights reservations
In addition to overtourism taxes, cities have begun requiring timed entry requirements for certain tourist attractions during high holiday periods.
As Rome preps for Jubilee, the city will require visitors to book a timed entry for the Trevi Fountain in 2025. This may include fixed time slots and a capacity limit for the fountain and the steps around it.
Airport parking reservations
If you are parking at the airport this holiday season, remember that you can book in advance at many airport parking sites, including LGA, SFO and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
While parking lot reservations are not required, they guarantee a spot without concern and can also save you money.
In some places, these savings can go as high as 50%, though that number varies from airport to airport.
Bottom line
From navigating airport logistics to booking advance reservations, planning as much as possible will likely alleviate some stress throughout your travels.
Even so, remember that you can only control so much when it comes to travel, so try to enjoy the process along the way.
Related reading:
- Airlines that offer you a credit if the price of airfare drops
- How to re-price a Southwest flight when the fare decreases
- The least expensive cards for airport lounge access
- Amex shutters yet another Centurion Lounge amenity, adds new coffee bar
- New year, new approach: How to choose your best credit card strategy for 2025
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.