The year-end festive season is a favorite for travel enthusiasts, but soaring prices for flights and hotels can stretch budgets. Arun Bagaria, Co-Founder & CEO of TravClan, highlights a 70-75% surge in travel searches for the New Year and warns that prices are climbing fast. International hotspots like Dubai and Singapore continue to top the charts, with travellers increasingly opting for luxury experiences.

"We are seeing people splurging on private yacht parties, cruises, and gala dinners for large groups," said Bagaria. Domestically, destinations catering to both road trips and short stays are in demand. To help travellers enjoy their holidays without overspending, here are some tips to maximise savings on flights, hotels, and experiences.

Book early for best deals Planning ahead is the golden rule of travel. “Flight and hotel prices are unlikely to drop as New Year approaches,” said Bagaria. Booking early locks in lower rates before demand peaks.

Many airlines and hotels also offer early bird discounts, so it’s wise to act fast. Avoid peak travel dates Timing is everything when it comes to saving money. Flying on peak dates, such as December 30 or January 1, often comes with a hefty price tag.

“Sometimes, flying a day earlier or later can be much cheaper,” Bagaria explained. Consider extending your stay by a day — it might cost less than traveling on the most popular dates. Set price alerts for flights Keep an eye on flight prices using online tools that send .