The annual price slash-a-thon is upon us. But are Black Friday travel deals actually worthwhile, or should you save your money?
Travel can be expensive, and so saving your money is always welcome. Right? So surely Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to snap up an incredible travel deal and book that trip you’ve been hankering after all year.
Well, like anything there are definite pros and cons. Which, of course, we’re going to have a quick look at. Oh and it is Black Friday so we will also be linking some travel deals in here (of course), so please click those affiliate links *IF* they are relevant to you…
OK yes, enough preamble. Should you splash out on travel bargains this Black Friday?
The Case Against
The whole Black Friday phenomenon came about as a way for stores to boost their pre-Christmas sales. As such it kinda encourages consumerism at it’s worst. When it comes to travel deals, let’s be honest, they’re rarely exceptional, normally ten percent off something or a slight reduction on an airfare.
The reason for this is that flights and hotels aren’t stock items, like clothing or electronics. They have a value that can only be discounted so far, regardless of the offer.
In fact, you’ll often spot deals on a par with Black Friday travel deals throughout the year. Winter is premium holiday time after all, with Christmas package tours one of the industry’s peak flashpoints.
If you’d like to go away, don’t get suckered in by some headline deal, just because it’s Black Friday. Chances are you’ll find a similar bargain when you actually do want to go away. You can also check out our tips from resident travel agent expert Amanda to help you find the best deals later on…
In short, Black Friday isn’t really that big a deal for the travel industry. Unless…
The Case For
At this time of the year, here in Northern Europe, the weather is pretty crappy. And, if you’re reading this in the UK in 2019 then you’re still looking at grey and rain after about 2 months. So the short answer here for you might be, “yah damn right I’m gonna get me a Black Friday travel deal!”
I mean, if you’ve got a spare couple hundred quid in your pocket and some holiday to use up before New Year then the timing is perfect. You could be showing off your tan on Christmas Day, or better still, suppin a margarita by the pool on Noel.
Put simply, if you were already going to buy a holiday, yes Black Friday travel deals can be great. An extra 10% off a flight? Don’t mind if I do… Half price package tours to wherever? Sign me the &@%# up right now.
If that sounds like you then, here you go:
Our Black Friday Travel Deals
These are our recommended Black Friday deals. They’re all affiliate links, but that just means they send us stuff to promote and we get a small commission if you book. You pay nothing extra, we get paid. Oh and I’ve only included the good ones!
40% OFF AT BOOKING.com (actually a pretty damn good deal)
Vueling Black Friday Offers (from €9.99 flights in Europe)
Vueling Black Friday DealsIberia are the more mainstream version of Vueling, but they offer long haul as well as European. Some good deals here to be fair…
Ibreia Black Friday Deals40% off Priority Pass (very nice if you like airport lounges and you travel a lot)
Air Malta are also offering money off flights over the Black Friday week. Here ya go:
Air Malta Black Friday DealsCar hire with a discount? Rental Cars are offering a Black Friday deal, so swoop in now if you’re expecting to need a car over Christmas!
Rental Cars Black Friday OfferBaltic Tours 10% off (go full festive! Embrace that winter… Also good Christmas markets)
Looking for cheap flights? These guys featured on our best flight booking site reviews, but see what you think…
Oh and our favourite flight booking partner, Skyscanner, are bucking the trend and offering Cyber Monday travel deal. Here it is…
Hopefully you get yourself a great travel deal this Black Friday, if you actually need one. If not, we’re always flagging up great offers so make sure to check back over the coming months!
