How to prepare for the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel bargains

Black Friday is no longer just one day; it's practically an entire month. Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday deals are coming in thick and fast, and it can be tough to keep up with them all.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, dear reader, we're here to help. Whether you're looking to save on your next big trip, top travel gear or holiday gifts, there's a deal for everyone — and we're here to help you navigate this year's sea of Black Friday sales and maximize your savings.

Related: Points and miles travel deals

When are Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday?

Although many deals are already live, the official 2025 sale days are as follows:

• Black Friday: Nov. 28
• Cyber Monday: Dec. 1
• Travel Tuesday: Dec. 2

Traditionally, Black Friday is best for in-store deals. However, we've seen an increasing number of online deals emerge each year, so we recommend checking both in-store and online pricing before making a purchase.

Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday) is when most companies release deals online, but it's not uncommon for deals to launch even earlier. A good example is Amazon, which is already offering numerous discounts in advance of the official Nov. 20 launch of its Black Friday Week.

Meanwhile, Travel Tuesday (the day after Cyber Monday) is when airlines, hotels, cruise operators and other travel companies typically release deals, though some sales have already begun.

Here's a run-through of other Black Friday sale dates to put on your calendar:

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• Amazon: Black Friday Week officially starts Nov. 20, but we've already seen some great deals available.
• Walmart: Black Friday deals will run Nov. 25-30, with Cyber Monday deals Dec. 1 only.
• Priority Pass: This sale is already live, offering up to 40% off airport lounge membership, now starting at $59 for the first year.
• Away: Save up to 25% on luggage, bags and accessories through Dec. 1 in the brand's biggest sale of the year.
• Booking.com: The platform's biggest Black Friday event yet will offer up to 40% off select accommodations, up to 20% off select attractions and more when you book between Nov. 20 and Dec. 3.
• IHG: Save up to 25% on eligible stays booked through the app by Nov. 19, and up to 20% when you book between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4.
• World of Hyatt: Get up to 30% off at select properties around the world, bookable now through Dec. 11.
• Wyndham Rewards: Members can save 30% or more on stays across North America when booking directly with the member rate between Nov. 20 and Dec. 5.
• Marriott Bonvoy: According to a press release, "special savings are coming this Cyber Monday," Dec. 1.
• JetBlue Vacations: Save up to $450 on select flight and hotel packages booked by Nov. 25.
• Intrepid Travel: This tour operator's Black Friday sale is already live, with discounts of up to 20% off hundreds of small-group trips through Dec. 4.

How to maximize your savings on Black Friday deals

You should always be looking for ways to double or triple dip on your purchases, and Black Friday is no exception. Here are our top tips for saving even more money and maximizing your rewards this season.

Use online shopping portals

If your desired merchant is available on a shopping portal, you can earn bonus rewards, such as points, miles, or cash back, on your purchase.

For instance, Rakuten is currently offering 5% cash back (or 5 American Express Membership Rewards points or Bilt Rewards Points per dollar spent) on accommodations at Booking.com. If this earning rate stays the same through Booking.com's Black Friday sale, you could potentially get 5% back on top of the platform's up-to-40% discount on hotels. For a stay that would normally cost $1,000, the sale would bring the cost down to $600, and then Rakuten would put $30 back in your pocket.

Payouts often vary from day to day, so we recommend using a shopping portal aggregator like Cashback Monitor to find the best portal for your purchase.

Related: How to maximize shopping portals for Black Friday and holiday deals

Check your offers

Amex Offers and Chase Offers are among our favorite ways to save money on everyday purchases, and they're easy to stack with Black Friday sales. Check your offers on all your credit card accounts (each card may be different) before making a purchase, and if any apply to your merchant, be sure to activate them on your card and pay with the same card.

Deal alert: Chase cardholders can save up to 50% on top luggage brands like Tumi

If you collect Amex Membership Rewards points, check your Amazon account to see if you're targeted for one of these offers to save up to 40% when you redeem at least 714 points at checkout.

Use the right credit card

Lastly, remember to use the correct card to maximize your rewards on Black Friday purchases. Our lists of the top travel cards and best cards for online shopping are good places to start.

When booking travel, be sure to use a card that comes with built-in trip protections. For other purchases, consider a card that offers extended warranties.

Bottom line

As Black Friday sales continue to proliferate, it's helpful to plan ahead. Consider what you'd like to purchase (or book), and mark your calendars accordingly.

To avoid missing out on deals, it's worth following your favorite brands, airlines, hotel chains and more on social media and/or signing up for their email newsletters, as they may offer deals to insiders that aren't available to the general public. You can also follow TPG's social media channels and subscribe to the free TPG daily newsletter to stay up to date on travel-related sales.

Don't forget that many travel bookings are refundable within 24 hours of making your reservation (and sometimes longer). If you spot a can't-miss deal, consider booking right away and double-checking your dates afterward.