After the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes a different kind of event that has captured the attention of travelers worldwide: Travel Tuesday.

Instead of filling online carts with gadgets and clothes, this day shifts the focus from possessions to experiences — from shopping bags to boarding passes.

Falling on the Tuesday after the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend, Travel Tuesday was born out of the growing trend among consumers to invest in memories rather than material goods. It has quickly become a post-Thanksgiving tradition for travelers, and this year it lands on December 2.

When is the best time to book? Most airlines release their discounts late Monday night, with Tuesday morning offering some of the lowest fares — on average, 15%–25% savings per ticket. For those chasing standout deals, Tuesday truly is the ticket to savings.

According to travel platform Skyscanner, bookings surge dramatically on Travel Tuesday, with discounts reaching up to 60%, and some travel clubs advertising limited deals of up to 80%. Yet, to make the most of these offers, smart planning is key.

Skyscanner’s experts suggest looking beyond the price tag — check what’s included: baggage allowances, meals, Wi-Fi, and seat comfort, especially on long-haul flights. Flexibility on travel dates and destinations also pays off. Tools like “Search Everywhere” and “Whole Month” help uncover hidden gems or cheaper days to fly.

Don’t overlook promo codes from airlines and agencies, which can unlock additional savings. Comparing flights, hotels, and car rentals across multiple platforms ensures a great airfare isn’t spoiled by costly extras later.

Travelers should also explore both domestic and international options — sometimes a getaway abroad is surprisingly cheaper than one nearby. And when possible, booking round-trip tickets often offers better value than one-way fares.

Ultimately, Travel Tuesday is less about discounts and more about discovery — a reminder that the best deals are those that take you somewhere new.