Last-Minute July 4th Getaway? Here’s How to Save Big on Flights and Hotels – Travel And Tour World

With inflation making vacations pricier, many travelers are feeling the pinch, especially around major holidays like July 4th. According to Squaremouth, a travel insurance marketplace, travel prices have been steadily climbing over the past few years. In fact, 2025’s average travel cost is expected to reach $7,249, marking a significant increase of 24% from 2024. However, for those willing to take the plunge on a last-minute getaway, there are still ways to find affordable deals.

Last-minute planners may be pleasantly surprised to find plenty of travel deals if they know where to look. Here’s how to save on airfare, credit cards, and hotel bookings this Independence Day.

How to Save on Airfare: Tips for Last-Minute Travelers

Airfares for the July 4th holiday are more affordable than last year, with the latest inflation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing a 7.3% decrease in year-over-year prices. Despite the rise in travel costs over the past few years, travelers can still score good deals by being flexible with their trip details. Platforms like Kayak and Google Flights are great tools to help you find last-minute deals on airfares.

For the best deals, Kayla Deloache, director of communications at Kayak, recommends flying on Tuesday, July 1st, which tends to be the cheapest departure day. Popular domestic destinations for the holiday, such as Atlanta, Tampa, and Las Vegas, are also among the least expensive options for flights. If you’re flexible with your travel times and destination, you can snag roundtrip fares for as low as $140 to Raleigh, North Carolina, or $171 to Atlanta.

The key to finding cheap flights is flexibility—being open to different departure dates, airports, and even airlines can drastically reduce costs. If you have some wiggle room, you may be able to catch flights to popular destinations like Las Vegas, Phoenix, or San Francisco for as little as $97 to $220.

Additionally, services like Hopper and Going (a flight-tracking platform) help travelers keep tabs on flexible flight deals and price drops. Going, for instance, tracks low fares and sends you alerts on mistake fares and last-minute travel deals. This makes it easier for you to grab deals on the spot without spending hours searching.

Leverage Credit Card Points for Travel Deals

For savvy travelers, using credit card rewards can also lower travel costs. Many credit cards offer perks like free flights and discounts on hotel stays. For example, Going has been able to secure rewards trips for destinations like Las Vegas and Madrid for as few as 19,000 points, with just a few additional dollars in fees. These deals often provide excellent value compared to paying for flights outright.

Frequent travelers can also take advantage of benefits such as fast-tracking through TSA security or earning rewards for their hotel stays. Credit cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offer up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, allowing you to breeze through security at the airport and avoid long lines during the busy holiday travel season. Other cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, provide perks like complimentary room upgrades and travel credits, which are invaluable when planning a last-minute trip.

How to Save on Hotels: Last-Minute Booking Strategies

Even hotel bookings can be affordable if you’re strategic about where and when you book. Many travel credit cards offer rewards and discounts on hotel stays, including complimentary upgrades and discounts on premium rooms. For instance, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer room upgrades and access to luxury accommodations.

If you don’t have a hotel rewards card, don’t worry—there are still ways to save. Websites like Vrbo and Hotel Tonight specialize in last-minute deals, with deep discounts on both hotels and vacation rentals. Many of these services offer exclusive promotions, such as future Airbnb credits, which can make your next trip even more affordable.

For those looking for accommodations on a tight budget, consider platforms that offer private rentals. Vrbo’s Last Minute Deals search filter can help travelers find markdowns on hotels, hostels, and private rentals. Whether you’re headed to a nearby city or planning a getaway across the country, booking last-minute often results in significant savings.

Key Impact on Travelers: Saving Time and Money

As more Americans are expected to travel for the July 4th holiday (72.2 million, according to AAA), the pressure to find affordable options at the last minute is greater than ever. With the right strategies, travelers can save on flights, accommodations, and even airport perks, making last-minute vacations both affordable and hassle-free. By using flexible booking tools, rewards points, and leveraging last-minute booking services, it’s possible to reduce the financial burden of a summer getaway.

Travel Tips for Last-Minute Vacationers

• Book Flights Early in the Week: Flights departing on Tuesday, July 1st, tend to be cheaper, so book early in the week for better prices.
• Check Multiple Booking Platforms: Use services like Kayak, Hopper, and Going to track flights and receive real-time alerts for price drops.
• Utilize Credit Card Points: Maximize travel rewards by using your points for flights and hotel stays.
• Be Flexible with Destinations: Popular spots like Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Tampa are often more affordable than expected during the July 4th weekend.
• Use Last-Minute Booking Services: Take advantage of platforms like Hotel Tonight or Vrbo to snag great deals on accommodations.

As the holiday approaches, being resourceful and flexible will make it easier to snag a last-minute deal without breaking the bank. With these strategies, you can still enjoy a fantastic July 4th getaway, even if you’re planning it at the eleventh hour. Happy travels!

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