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Langley FCU - Save, Borrow, and Spend Wisely

Langley FCU - Save, Borrow, and Spend Wisely

I’ll Be Home for Christmas: The Cost of Traveling During the Holidays

Team Member
Reviewed By: Kelli Ragland
Published: December 20, 2025

For many college students, the holiday season means one thing: heading home to see family, friends, and most importantly, the family pet (who definitely misses you). But getting there isn’t always cheap. From plane tickets that spike around the holidays to highway tolls that quickly add up, travel costs can sneak up faster than finals week. Luckily, with a little planning and access to Langley’s exclusive member perks, you can ease the cost of travel without putting a dent in your holiday cheer. 

Wheels and Wings and Tracks! Oh, My!

Getting home for the holidays isn’t a one-size-fits-all ordeal. Whether you’re flying, riding, or road-tripping, the way you travel can seriously impact how much you spend. 

Plane: Typically the fastest for long distances, but also the most expensive in price. Average round-trip holiday flights can range from $500-$800+ depending on route and timing. Booking too late (think: mid-December) typically means higher prices and sold-out flights. (Stacker)

Plus, airlines love to charge for bags—sometimes $30+ per checked bag each way. Pack smart or go carry-on if you can. 

Train: A chill, scenic option that often sits between bus and plane pricing, generally $100-$250 round-trip. Perfect for regional trips. But remember: space is limited around holidays. (Way)

Bus: Usually the budget hero. Routes like Greyhound, Megabus, or regional shuttles often run under $30-$100 each way. It’s slower and less glamorous, but your wallet will thank you. (Chaddick Institute)

Car (+ Rideshare): It may be flexible, but the costs add up: 

  1. Gas: Varies by trip—from ~$20 to over $100 depending on the distance and car efficiency. 
  2. Tolls and parking: Could be $5-$50+ each way. 
  3. Rideshare to airports/stations: Ubers to and from terminals can be handy, and with CashBack+ Pay, you can earn up to 20% cashback when you pay through the app. (Way)

Pro tip: With the CashBack+ Pay App, you can also earn up to 20% cashback on all your favorite road trip snacks at places like Wawa, CVS, and more! 

Timing Tricks: When to Book

Shift your departure by a day or even a few hours. 

If your schedule allows, try leaving one day earlier or later. You can also save by choosing early morning or late-night departures. Midweek flights, typically Tuesday and Wednesday, tend to be cheaper, while Fridays and Sundays are often the most expensive. Even small adjustments can lead to real savings! 

Watch prices before you commit. 

If you’re not ready to book right away, track travel fares over a few days using tools like Google Flights. You can spot trends, set price alerts, and avoid booking right in the middle of a price spike. 

The Home Stretch

Traveling home for the holidays shouldn’t break your budget, it’s really about knowing your options before you book. Compare transportation options, watch out for hidden fees, plan ahead, and take advantage of Langley’s Visa Travel Benefits, which include baggage delay reimbursement, trip cancellation or interruption coverage, travel accident insurance, and more! 

With savvy planning and a dash of holiday spirit, you’ll be singing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” without carrying unnecessary financial stress into the new year.