12 Travel Bookings Every Smart Traveler Makes Before December 1st

December brings holidays, crowded airports, and higher prices, so deciding what to lock in before December 1st can save time, money, and stress. This checklist focuses on bookings that typically tighten up as the month advances: flights, places to stay, key transport, and services that sell out. By making these reservations early you protect options like preferred seats, flexible cancellation terms, and fixed pricing for group travel. Many travel suppliers raise rates and reduce availability closer to peak holiday dates, and some services—like pet boarding or seasonal tours—fill weeks in advance. As of Nov 2025, travel platforms and experts repeatedly advise early planning for holiday windows to avoid last-minute surprises.

1. International Flights

International flights are usually the first bookings to make when holiday travel is on your calendar. Airlines often release their best inventory months ahead, and certain routes fill far earlier than domestic ones. Booking before December 1st gives you a better shot at preferred itineraries and seat choices, and it makes connecting logistics easier to coordinate. If you need a specific arrival time or a single overnight stay in a hub city, reserving early avoids a scramble for last-minute connections that add risk to your trip. Also check passport validity: many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your travel dates, so renewing a passport can be a time-sensitive task. Consider refundable or changeable fares if plans might shift, and compare award travel availability if redeeming miles. Finally, review visa rules and entry requirements well before booking so you won’t be surprised by processing timelines that could delay travel.

2. Domestic Holiday Flights

Domestic holiday travel sees sharp price spikes for peak days, and seat selection is often first-come, first-served. Booking domestic flights before December 1st gives you access to a wider range of departure times and cabin choices. If you’re traveling around major holidays, consider midweek departures or red-eye flights to avoid the busiest travel windows. Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to find lower fares on adjacent days, and lock in seats for long legs so your family sits together. Pay attention to checked-bag rules and carry-on restrictions, which vary by carrier and fare class and can add significant costs. If you have frequent flyer status, early booking increases the chances of confirmed upgrades. Finally, check airport crowds and TSA wait-time trends for your origin and destination to plan arrival time on travel day.

3. Hotel Accommodations in Popular Destinations

Hotels in popular cities and resort areas can sell out quickly for December events and holiday weekends. Booking your hotel before December 1st helps you choose the room type and rate that match your needs, whether that’s a family suite, a room with an accessible layout, or a flexible cancellation policy. Many hotels offer temporary promotions that require advance booking, and early reservations often include perks like free breakfast or waived resort fees. If you plan to stay at a property with limited rooms—boutique hotels or ski lodges, for example—reserve now to avoid limited inventory and premium last-minute rates. Read cancellation and deposit terms carefully so you know what flexibility you retain if plans change. If loyalty points are part of your strategy, booking early can also improve availability for award nights on crowded dates.

4. Vacation Rental Properties

Vacation rentals near holiday attractions or in family-friendly neighborhoods disappear quickly. Book your preferred rental before December 1st to secure a property with the right layout and amenities—extra bedrooms, a reliable Wi‑Fi connection, or pet-friendly options. Pay close attention to host cancellation policies, cleaning fees, and check-in procedures, since those terms vary widely across platforms. For group trips, confirm whether the listing has adequate parking and sleeping arrangements and verify the host’s communication responsiveness. If you’re concerned about cancellation risk, look for listings that offer free cancellation up to a certain date or consider purchasing trip protection that covers rental cancellations. Also confirm local rules like minimum-stay requirements and any community-specific restrictions that could affect your stay.

5. Rental Cars

Rental cars are in short supply at popular airports and destinations during December. Reserve a vehicle before December 1st so you can pick the size and features that match your trip—think car seats, cargo room, and winter-ready tires if you’ll be in snowy regions. Prebooking often locks in lower rates and allows you to avoid limited walk-up inventory that can force you into a smaller car or an expensive upgrade. Check fuel, mileage, and insurance rules before you book, and compare the cost of adding a collision-damage waiver versus charging that coverage to a credit card that provides rental protection. If you plan to cross a border, confirm provider rules and required documentation. Finally, make a clear pickup and drop-off plan to avoid long lines and potential additional day charges on busy travel days.

6. Airport Transfers and Private Transportation

Pre-booking airport transfers, private shuttles, or a meet-and-greet car makes arrival and departure days far less stressful. Seasonal demand raises wait times and surge pricing for ride-hailing services, so locking in a transfer before December 1st secures set pricing and a guaranteed pickup window. If you have early or late flights, a scheduled private transfer can be safer than relying on limited public transit or last-minute rides. For groups or travelers with heavy luggage, book a vehicle with ample space and check whether drivers handle bags. Also consider hotel-arranged shuttles and confirm their timing and capacity, since busy hotels may require reservations for transfers. If you prefer public transport, look up schedules that could change for holidays and buy any necessary passes in advance.

7. Travel Insurance and Trip Protection

Buying travel insurance before December 1st often yields broader coverage for cancellations, interruptions, and medical emergencies. Policies can exclude events that occur after purchase, so early purchase may protect you from issues that arise before departure while some coverage options become more expensive closer to the trip date. Review plan details—especially cancellation reasons covered, medical evacuation, COVID-related terms, and baggage protections—so you understand what’s included. If you’re paying a large nonrefundable deposit for group travel or an expensive tour, trip-cancellation coverage can be a worthwhile safeguard. Compare coverage levels and deductibles across providers, and check whether your credit card offers overlapping protections. Remember to keep policy documents and emergency numbers handy in both digital and printed form.

8. Restaurant Reservations and Holiday Meals

Restaurants that offer special holiday menus often open reservations well before December, and tables for big nights can book fast. Make reservations before December 1st if you want a specific dinner time or to secure a party of several people. For special occasions—Thanksgiving dinner in cities, holiday brunches, or festive tasting menus—check whether restaurants require deposits or prepayments and what their cancellation windows are. If you or your guests have dietary needs, confirm those details with the restaurant in advance. For large groups, consider booking private dining rooms or arranging group menus so the kitchen can plan accordingly. Finally, review gratuity policies and any service charges so you know total expected costs before you go.

9. Holiday-Specific Tours, Shows, and Experiences

Seasonal events—holiday light tours, Christmas markets, limited-run performances, and special museum exhibits—often sell timed-entry tickets in advance. Reserve these experiences before December 1st to secure preferred slots and avoid sold-out scenarios. If you’re planning a must-see show or a guided tour with limited capacity, early booking also allows you to coordinate timing with travel and dinner plans. For outdoor holiday markets or parades, check weather-cancellation policies and whether tickets are refundable or transferable. For family travel, look for kid-friendly timed-entry options and stroller policies. Buying skip-the-line or small-group tour options can save time during crowded holiday periods and provide a more relaxed experience for older travelers.

10. Travel Document Renewals and Visas

Processing times for passports and certain visas can extend into weeks—or longer—during peak seasons, so initiate renewals or visa applications well before December 1st. Check government processing timelines and expedited service fees and apply early enough to allow for delays. If you need a passport card, country-specific entry stamps, or document notarizations, factor those extra steps into your timeline as well. For countries that require e-visas or travel authorizations, confirm submission windows and any health-related entry requirements. Make photocopies of all travel documents and save scanned versions to a secure cloud folder. If your passport is near an expiration date, consult the destination’s rules; some require six months’ validity beyond the travel date, which may force a renewal before travel can proceed.

11. Pet Boarding and Care Services

Pet care options fill up quickly around the holidays, so reserve kennels, pet sitters, or day-care slots before December 1st. Good facilities and trusted sitters get booked far in advance for peak holiday days, and last-minute arrangements may leave you with limited or distant options. If your pet requires medications or special diets, arrange refills and pack an extra supply in case travel plans change. Verify vaccination requirements and drop-off procedures, and tour potential facilities if possible before committing. For in-home pet sitters, ask for references and set clear instructions for feeding, walking, and emergency vet contacts. Booking early also gives you time to schedule a meet-and-greet so your pet and caregiver are comfortable before your trip.

12. TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Trusted Traveler Programs

Trusted traveler programs can shorten security and customs lines, but enrollment and interview slots sometimes have wait times. Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry early—before December 1st—to allow time for background checks and interviews. If you’re applying for Global Entry, remember it often includes TSA PreCheck benefits, and that interview availability varies by location. Having these credentials can make holiday travel days noticeably smoother, especially when airports are busiest. If slots are backlogged, consider scheduling an interview in a nearby enrollment center or opting for expedited processing where available. Once approved, add known traveler numbers to new flight reservations so your benefits apply automatically at check-in.

Wrap-Up: Your Quick Action Plan Before December 1st

Start with the high-impact items: international and domestic flights, plus a place to stay. Then reserve ground transport, special experiences, and services that commonly sell out in December—rental cars, airport transfers, pet care, and holiday dining. Early purchase of travel insurance and applying for trusted-traveler programs add protection and time savings. For documents, check passport and visa timelines immediately; if renewal or an expedited visa is needed, begin that process now. Use fare and availability alerts to track price dips, and always verify cancellation and refund policies before you pay.