September 18th 2024.
Are you planning to travel home for Christmas? Yes, we know, it's a little early to talk about it, but the holiday season will be here before we know it. Even though the sun is still shining and the weather is lovely in the UK this week, it's important to start thinking about Christmas travel. After all, it's less than 100 days away!
We all know how hectic it can be to travel during the holiday season, especially by train. That's why it's crucial to get organized early. According to statistics, millions of Brits take to the railways in the days leading up to Christmas, with the last Friday before the big day being the most popular day for travel. However, we also know that train tickets can be quite expensive, and fares have increased by 4.9% in March.
But fear not, because Martin Lewis has some valuable advice for Christmas travelers. He suggests marking Friday, September 27 on your calendars, as it's the date when most train companies will release their tickets for the festive period. This is also the best time to get the best prices. Just imagine, you'll be able to enjoy the holiday season even more knowing that you didn't spend a fortune on train tickets.
In his latest newsletter, Martin explains that advance tickets are usually released 12 weeks before the date of travel, and that's when you can grab the cheapest fares. So if you already know when you want to travel, make sure to keep an eye out and be ready to book in a couple of weeks. This is because Network Rail is contractually obligated to have the timetables set this far in advance, and train companies usually release the tickets shortly after.
This year, the busiest time for Christmas travel will be the weekend before December 25, starting on Friday, December 20. And if you count back 12 weeks on your calendar, you'll see that September 27 is the magic date when the tickets will be released. Keep checking back each day, as more tickets will be released, and you'll have a better chance of getting the cheapest ones.
However, it's important to remember that advance tickets are usually non-refundable, so make sure you have your Christmas travel plans set before booking. Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) also suggests using the Trainline Ticket Alert website. This way, you'll receive an email when advance tickets for your specific journey become available.
And the best part? You don't have to book through Trainline, but at least you'll know exactly when the tickets are available. For more tips on booking train tickets in advance, visit the MSE website. Do you have any stories or tips to share about Christmas travel? Feel free to get in touch with us by emailing us. Happy travels!
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