How To Book Flights And Hotels Around Major Events Without Paying A Fortune

Whether it is Ganpati Utsav in Mumbai, Durga Puja in Kolkata, a music festival in Goa, or a long weekend in the hills, booking flights and hotels around major events can feel like a financial trap. Prices surge, availability drops, and even budget options start looking premium. But here is the good news, you do not need to break the bank to travel during peak seasons. Instead, with a little planning, some smart tools, and a few insider tricks, you can book flights and hotels without paying a fortune. And we are here to help you out.

In this article, we will walk you through some real-world strategies that actually work. Read on.

Start With...Know The Event Calendar And Plan Ahead:

Before you even start searching for flights or hotels, check the event calendar. Whether it is Holi, Diwali, Christmas, or a regional festival like Onam or Ganesh Chaturthi, prices tend to spike around fixed dates.

• Use platforms like MakeMyTrip or Skyscanner to check demand trends.
• Avoid booking during the exact peak days. Instead, arriving a day earlier or leaving a day later can save you up to 30 percent.
• For international events, check local school holidays and public holidays. They often overlap with price hikes.

Also Read: 6 Hotel Booking Tips That Will Save You From Regret Later

_{Photo Credit: Unsplash}

How To Book Cheaper Flights Around Busy Travel Date?

1. Book Early, But Not Too Early:

The sweet spot is usually 6-8 weeks before departure. Booking too early may mean missing out on flash sales, while booking too late almost guarantees surge pricing.

2. Use Fare Comparison Tools:

Platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper let you compare across airlines and dates. Use their calendar view to spot cheaper days to fly.

3. Set Price Alerts:

Apps like Airfarewatchdog or Hopper notify you when fares drop. This is especially useful for events with fixed dates.

4. Fly Midweek Or Off-Peak Hours:

Avoid weekends and peak hours. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you up to 30-50 percent.

5. Consider Nearby Airports:

Flying into or out of alternate airports can reduce costs by up to 20 percent. For instance, using Pune airport instead of Mumbai international airport can help you save some money.

6. Use Incognito Mode While Searching:

Flight prices can increase based on your search history. Browsing in incognito mode helps avoid dynamic pricing.

7. Explore Budget Carriers:

For short-haul routes, budget airlines like IndiGo, Akasa Air, and AirAsia often offer competitive fares. Just be mindful of baggage fees and seat selection charges.

Also Read: Will Flights And Hotels Get Cheaper Now? How Revised GST Rates Impact Travel

Smart Ways To Save On Hotel Bookings During Peak Travel Season:

1. Book Refundable Rates Early:

Lock in a good rate early with free cancellation. If prices drop later, you can rebook without penalty.

2. Use Aggregators And Loyalty Programs:

Sites like MakeMyTrip, Booking.com, and Agoda often offer event-specific discounts. Sign up for loyalty programs to unlock hidden deals and perks.

3. Stay Slightly Outside The Event Zone:

Hotels 2-5 kilometres away from the main venue are often 30-40 percent cheaper and less crowded.

4. Try Homestays Or Boutique Properties:

During festivals or sports events, homestays and smaller hotels may not hike prices as aggressively as big chains.

5. Use Corporate Or Student Discounts (If Any):

Platforms like MakeMyTrip offer special fares for students, senior citizens, and medical professionals.

6. Book Directly With The Hotel:

Sometimes, calling the hotel directly can get you a better rate than online platforms, especially if you are booking multiple rooms or staying longer.

Also Read: How To Pick The Perfect Hotel For Monsoon Travel

_{Photo Credit: iStock}

Bonus Hack: Bundle Deals And Hidden Travel Savings You Should Not Miss

• Flight + Hotel Packages: Many platforms offer bundled deals that can save you up to 25 percent.
• Credit Card Offers: Banks like HDFC, ICICI, and SBI often run travel promotions during festive seasons.
• Cashback Portals: Use platforms like CashKaro or Paytm for additional cashback on bookings.
• Coupon Codes: Always check for promo codes before finalising payment, especially during sale periods like Big Travel Days or Festive Flash Sales.

Also Read: 8 Smart Flight Tips To Cut Costs, Stay Comfortable, And Travel Stress-Free

Practical Travel Hacks That Always Work:

1. Be Flexible With Dates:

Adjusting your travel by just a day or two can make a huge difference. Use flexible date search tools to compare fares across a week.

2. Book One-Way Flights Separately:

Sometimes booking two one-way tickets on different airlines is cheaper than a round trip.

3. Travel Overnight:

Red-eye flights and overnight trains are often cheaper and save you a night's hotel cost.

5. Use Travel Apps For Last-Minute Deals:

Apps like HotelTonight or OYO often release unsold inventory at discounted rates closer to check-in.

Sample Booking Timeline For Christmas In Goa:

Planning to celebrate Christmas in Goa this year? Whether you are heading for midnight mass, beach parties, or the Sunburn Festival (December 28-30), here is a smart booking timeline to help you save money and avoid last-minute chaos.

• September 15-20: Start tracking flight prices and set fare alerts using platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Look for budget carriers flying into Dabolim or Mopa airports.
• October 1-10: Book refundable hotel options in popular zones like North Goa (Calangute, Baga, Anjuna) or quieter spots like South Goa (Palolem, Agonda). Early bookings help you lock in lower rates before the festive surge.
• October 15-25: Finalise flight bookings based on price trends. Consider flying midweek or early morning to avoid peak fares.
• November 10-20: Recheck hotel rates and rebook if better deals are available. Confirm local transport options like airport pickups, bike rentals, or cab aggregators.
• December 10-15: Confirm all bookings, download tickets, and plan your itinerary like church visits, beach hopping, Christmas Eve dinners, and party passes.

Also Read: Hotel Or Homestay? What Your Stay Says About Your Travel Style

Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy the festive vibe without the peak crowd, arrive by December 22 and stay till December 27. You will catch the best of the celebrations and avoid the New Year rush.

What are you waiting for? Plan your next trip and start with the bookings accordingly. Thank us later!