13 Smart Ways to Save on Black Friday Travel Deals

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Black Friday is fast approaching, so it’s time to get clued up about how you can save on your future travels. With over 12 years of working in the digital travel industry, we’re sharing our top tips, best ways to avoid overwhelm and how to get the best Black Friday travel deals.

Over recent years, Black Friday has evolved from a single day into a full six-week discounted travel booking season. Starting around the second week of November each year, smart travellers know it’s one of the very best times of year to book travel. However, the choice of offers can sometimes feel overwhelming, so it’s good to start with a bit of a game plan and some insider-tips on how the travel industry works around Black Friday.

This Black Friday, we’ve teamed up with Exoticca – the travel experts known for their curated, multi-destination tours – to share our combined tried-and-tested tips for making the most of the Black Friday travel deals. So whether you’re dreaming of Japan, Jordan or the Amalfi Coast, here’s how to book smart, save money and still travel in style. No matter where you choose to book, we’ve made sure that these smart, universal tips will apply across all platforms. 

This article has been sponsored by exoticca.com. All words are that of the author. 

13 Smart Ways to Save on Black Friday Travel Deals

1. Clear Your Cookies and Use Incognito Mode

Flight and hotel prices can fluctuate depending on your search history. Before hunting for deals, clear your cookies or switch to an incognito browser to avoid inflated prices. You might be surprised how often the same trip appears cheaper when the algorithms can’t track your browsing.

2. Set a Budget – and Stick to It

The excitement of Black Friday can quickly lead to overwhelm and impulse bookings. Before the sales begin, decide exactly what you are looking for and don’t deviate from that objective. If you are booking something you wanted to book anyway, you’ve saved money. If you are booking something you weren’t planning to, you’ve spent extra money (even if it is discounted). Think about what kind of trip you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Having a clear budget keeps you focused on genuine value rather than flashy discounts.

3. Look for Packages Instead of Booking Everything Separately

Flights, hotels and experiences often cost less when booked together. It also takes a lot of the leg work out of your planning process. Trusted Tour operators like Exoticca specialise in curated packages that include flights, hotels, transfers and guided tours with no extra steps and no hidden fees. These are often at a lower overall price than if you booked each element yourself.

4. Make your Money Go Even Further with Cashback Websites 

Make your money go further by the best deals with increased cashback rewards. Cashback is essentially money back on purchases you were going to make anyway, and it’s so easy to get started. First, start off by signing up to a Cashback platfom such as Top Cashback. Many retailers will be increasing their cashback incentives around Black Friday, and travel companies and airlines offer some of the highest cashback rates of all. 

5. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

The more flexible your travel plans, the better your savings. Travelling midweek or outside of peak season can dramatically lower costs — and often means fewer crowds, too. Use tools like “cheapest month” filters on flight search engines to spot unexpected bargains.

6. Sign Up for Early Access Lists

Many travel companies will only offer so many units of one offer, rate or package. Once they’re gone they’re gone, so it’s best to get early access wherever possible. For example, if you want to book a cruise and there are a couple of cruise lines you prefer, sign up to both mailing lists to see what type of additional Black Friday offers they share with their subscribers. It may be more generous than that is advertised on their direct website. Sign up to newsletters from your favourite tour companies to get first pick of limited departures before they sell out.

7. Compare the True Value, Not Just the Discount

A big percentage off doesn’t always mean big savings. Check what’s actually included: meals, excursions, transfers, or extra nights can all affect value. A 25% saving on an all-inclusive tour might be far better than 40% off a room-only stay. Don’t just be seduced by the mark downs. Ask yourself, does this feel like good value? You’ll probably have a gut instinct. 

8. Check the Fine Print and Cancellation Policies

Some Black Friday deals are non-refundable, while others offer flexible booking terms or credit for future travel. Read the details carefully so you know what you’re committing to, especially if you’re booking a trip months, or even years, in advance.

9. Book Experiences, Not Just Flights

Black Friday isn’t only about flights. It’s also a brilliant time to book bucket-list experiences. Think cruises in the Caribbean, safaris in Kenya, guided tours through Japan or trekking in Peru. Tour companies often offer deeper discounts on multi-day experiences than airlines do on flights alone.

10. It’s a Good Time to Save on Travel Products 

Even if you’re not planning to book a trip anywhere this Black Friday, you can still take advantage of special offers on travel products such as a cheap eSIM, annual travel insurance or a new suitcase. Make a saving and get organised for your year of travel ahead.

11. Use Price Alerts and Deal Trackers

Set up alerts with Google Flights or Expedia to track routes you’re interested in. If you’ve had your eye on a specific destination, these tools can confirm whether the “deal” you’re seeing is genuinely lower than usual or just clever marketing.

12. Pay Attention to Time Zones

If you’re shopping with an international company, be aware of time differences. A deal that launches at midnight in New York or Madrid might appear hours later in the UK,  and by then, the best packages could already be gone. As a rule of thumb, try to make sure you’re shopping on your country’s version of any international website. 

13. Book Direct for Extra Benefits 

If you have a preferred hotel group or chain that you like to book with when you travel, it often pays to stay loyal and book direct with them. They may offer preferential rates over Black Friday and many offer additional booking incentives such as free room upgrades or free hotel credit as part of your booking.

14. Think Long-Term — Book 2027 Trips Now

Many travel brands release schedules and tours up to 18 months in advance. If you already know where you want to go, booking ahead during the Black Friday period can secure early-bird rates and guarantee the best availability for your chosen dates, all the way into 2027. 

Final Thoughts

Black Friday can be overwhelming, but with a little preparation and insider know-how, it’s one of the best times of the year to plan your next adventure. The key is to book smart. Don’t get swept up in things you weren’t originally thinking of. Simply compare, double-check, and look beyond the headline discount.

Whether you’re seeking a discounted ski trip, a 5 star beach break or a cultural inter-railing experience Europe, a little strategic planning can unlock unforgettable experiences at a fraction of the price. Happy deal-hunting and here’s to your next great adventure.