After the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday has calmed—and the last slice of pie has been devoured—it’s time for savvy travelers to turn their attention to the biggest travel sale of the year: Travel Tuesday.
This lesser-known but mighty shopping day falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—December 2nd in 2025—and it’s completely devoted to unbeatable travel deals from airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour companies around the globe. If you’ve ever dreamed of a bucket-list trip or a budget-friendly escape, this is your day.
What Is Travel Tuesday?
Travel Tuesday is the travel industry’s answer to Cyber Monday. It first gained traction in 2017 when Hopper, a flight-tracking app, noticed a significant spike in airfare deals on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Since then, it’s evolved into a global movement when travel brands offer their deepest discounts and exclusive perks.
Imagine 20–30% off luxury hotels in Europe, flights to Asia at half the price, cruise cabin upgrades, bonus resort credits—all in one day.
Why Travel Tuesday Matters
Unlike Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where travel-related discounts can be buried beneath deals on TVs and tech, Travel Tuesday puts travel front and center.
Here’s why it’s one of the best days of the year to book a trip:
- Focus: It’s all about travel—no gadgets, no doorbusters.
- Savings: Discounts are often steeper than what you’ll find during the rest of the year.
- Timing: Travel companies use it to boost demand during slower post-Thanksgiving booking periods.
It’s also the one day of the year when everyone—from airlines to boutique hotels—competes for your wanderlust.
How to Make the Most of Travel Tuesday
Get ready to plan ahead and move fast. Travel Tuesday offers are often limited and can sell out within hours.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Set Price Alerts: Keep an eye on your dream destinations using platforms like Google Flights or Going.
- Stay Flexible: You may find a fantastic deal to a place not yet on your radar—be open to the adventure.
- Know Your Dates: Be ready with target travel windows. Sometimes deals apply to shoulder seasons or specific months.
- Act Fast: Once you see a deal that fits your budget and dates, book it. Many airlines still offer 24-hour holds or free cancellations.
What Kind of Deals to Expect
While many deals drop in the days leading up to Travel Tuesday, some brands hold back their best discounts until the day itself. Here’s a taste of what might hit your inbox or feed:
- Airline Sales: Flash drops on flights to Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.
- Hotel Discounts: Stay longer for less with 30% off luxury brands or fourth-night-free promos.
- Cruises: Free cabin upgrades or half-off deposits.
- Tour Sales: Discounts of 10% or more on tours. Check sites like Project Expedition, Get Your Guide, and Viator.
- Travel Group Sales: Discounts up to 70% with brands like Exoticca, Tour Radar,
- Vacation Shop Sales: Sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, and others offering limited-time promos.
From all-inclusive resorts in Mexico to bucket-list expeditions in the Himalayas, this is the day when the world’s most exciting destinations go on sale.
Layer on Even More Luxury with Virtuoso
If you’re a luxury traveler looking to maximize value and perks, Travel Tuesday is the perfect time to explore exclusive offers at Virtuoso partner hotels. By using our self-booking Virtuoso portal, you’re able to tap into deep Travel Tuesday savings while still receiving VIP benefits typically reserved for full-service travel advisor bookings.
Here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Browse luxury hotels and resorts in your dream destination
- Click into each property and head to the “Promotions” tab to see current offers, including Travel Tuesday-specific deals
- Book during the promotion window to receive:
- Daily breakfast for two
- Complimentary room upgrades (when available)
- Resort or hotel credits
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Additional amenities unique to each property
It’s the best of both worlds: unbeatable savings and the luxury treatment—without sacrificing the ease of booking on your own.
Start exploring your hotel options now through our Virtuoso Booking Portal.
Pro Tip: Subscribe to travel newsletters and follow your favorite advisors (like me!) for advance notice on sales and insider tips.
If you’re ready to turn your travel dreams into a reality—or just want an excuse to get away—set your alarm for Travel Tuesday. It might just be your ticket to the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Need personalized help navigating the deals? Reach out anytime—I’m here to make sure you get the most out of every mile, point, and perk.
