You can still bag a last-minute Christmas bargain with these travel deals.
With the kids on holidays and just one day of annual leave giving you a five-day long weekend (22-26 December - taking Christmas Eve off) you shouldn’t let the last-minute rush stand between you and your holiday. There are still ways to have a cheap Christmas getaway. Scroll down to find out how:
Don't need to travel over Christmas? You may save even more by checking out other December travel deals and January travel deals.
My Bali
My Bali
Up to $3,250 free in extras with Bali holiday packages
Valid for travel on select dates until December 2019 including Christmas season across Bali. Inclusive of return flights, unique bonus values, accommodation and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Travel Talk
Travel Talk
Up to 50% off Christmas and New Year tours
Valid for travel on departures dates in Christmas and New Year season. Destinations include Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Morocco , Russia or Ski Bansko. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Insight Vacations
Insight Vacations
$150 off global tours
Valid for use on any Insight Vacations tours in 2019 - 2020 including Christmas season. Destinations include Europe, Britain, Ireland, Italy, France, Belguim, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
My Queensland
My Queensland
Up to $2,250 free in extras Queensland packages with flights
Valid for travel until December 2019 including Christmas season. Includes accommodation, return flights, daily buffet breakfast, kids stay and eat breakfast for free and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Topdeck
Topdeck
Christmas package: 4-day Belgium tours from $560
Valid for travel from 24 - 27 December 2019 during Christmas season across London to Bruges, Belgium. Inclusive of walking tours, daily meals, free Wi-Fi, tour guide and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Contiki
Contiki
Christmas package: 4-day Paris tours from $635
Valid for travel on 23 December 2019 across London. Destinations include Dover, Calais and more. Inclusive of daily meals, private transport and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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Etihad Airways
Europe flights from $1,889 return
Valid for travel until 31 December 2019 including Christmas holidays. Sample fare is Melbourne-Belgrade.
Last verified
Deal ends
Popular Flights coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Jun 2019 | 10% off Canada and USA flights with code | EOF**** |
| 25 Jun 2019 | Extra $15 off South Pacific flights with code | 72H**** |
| 25 Jun 2019 | Extra $10 off Australia flights with code | 72H**** |
| 4 Jun 2019 | $20 off Fiji, India and New Zealand flights with code | 20J**** |
| 3 Jun 2019 | $20 off flights | 20J**** |
Agoda
Up to 75% off + Extra 5% off hotels worldwide
Valid for stays from 22 October 2018 - 31 December 2020, including over Christmas. Destinations include Bali, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, Amsterdam, Sydney, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Otel.com
Extra 8% off hotel bookings
Valid on hotel stays worldwide on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Last verified
Popular Hotels coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Jun 2019 | Up to 50% off hotels + extra 10% off with code | FIN**** |
| 13 Jun 2019 | Up to 75% off + Extra 5% off hotels worldwide | FIN**** |
| 20 May 2019 | Extra 8% off hotel bookings | 8OF**** |
| 24 Jun 2019 | Up to 20% off Europe hotels + extra 10% for members | CUL**** |
| 24 Jun 2019 | Extra 8% off hotels with code | JUN**** |
CruiseAway
Up to 50% off New Zealand cruises
Valid for sailings on select dates in 2019 - 2020 including Christmas season. Destinations include Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Tauranga, Bay of Islands, Akaroa. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
U River Cruises
Europe river cruises from $1,999
Cruise through Germany, Netherlands, Hungary and see Europe's Christmas markets on select dates until December 2019.
Last verified
AnyBoat
Christmas cruises from $110
Valid for travel on select dates including Christmas season. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Whitsundays, Melbourne, Port Stephens and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 50% off Middle East cruises
Valid for sailings on select dates in 2019 - 2020 including Christmas season. Destinations include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, Manama, Eilat. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 35% off USA cruises
Valid for sailings on select dates in 2019 - 2020 including Christmas season. Destinations include Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Diego, Vancouver, Seattle and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Christmas season: 7% off 10-day Sydney cruises
Valid for travel on 20 December 2019 for Christmas season across Sydney with Royal Caribbean. Destinations include New Caledonia, Mystery Island, Lifou, Maré and more. Additional bookable flights included. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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AnyBoat
Sydney Harbour cruises from $110
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 with Christmas cruises on Super Cat. Inclusive of dance floors, dining and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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CruiseAway
Christmas sale: 38% off Australia and New Zealand cruises
Valid for travel until December 2020 across Australia and New Zealand. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Popular Cruises coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Jun 2019 | Pay only $1 deposit + up to $600 OBC with P&O cruises | ******** |
| 26 Jun 2019 | Australia cruises from $131 per day | ******** |
| 19 Jun 2019 | Up to 50% off New Zealand cruises | ******** |
| 14 Jun 2019 | $1 deposit and up to $900 OBC with P&O | ******** |
| 13 Jun 2019 | Free economy airfare with 2020 Europe cruises | ******** |
Klook
Up to 60% off activities, experiences and things to do
Valid on select dates including holidays like Christmas season, New Year's and more depending on the destination. Destinations are Hong Kong, Singapore, Osaka, Taipei, Dubai, Sydney, Melbourne, London, Paris, New York and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
RedBalloon
Up to 50% off experiences + extra 10% off with code
Valid on all dates, including over Christmas on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, ghost tours and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
RedBalloon
$10 off zoo entries across Australia
Valid for use for zoo activities and tours across Australia including Taronga Zoo, Melbourne Zoo and the Australia Zoo, perfect for school holidays and Christmas break. Minimum spend of $80. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Klook
Get up to $80 off Bali tours and attractions
Save on snorkelling tours, Waterbom entry, whitewater rafting, Mount Batur hiking tours especially on holidays like Christmas, New Year's and more.
Last verified
Travel Talk
Russia: Up to 50% off Christmas 6-day tour
Valid for travel on 29 December 2019. Other destinations include Moscow, St. Petersburg and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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RedBalloon
Dreamworld and WhiteWater World 1-day passes from $95
Valid for use on select dates including Christmas season at Dreamworld and WhiteWater World in Gold Coast. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Get Your Guide
Up to 20% off Italy attractions and experiences
Valid for travel on select dates until December 2019 including Christmas season. Destinations include Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Naples, Murano, Burano, Pisa and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Popular Tourist Attractions & Experiences coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Jun 2019 | Up to 15% off site-wide with code | MEG**** |
| 25 Jun 2019 | Extra 10% off whale watching with code | FIN**** |
| 16 Apr 2019 | Up to 67% off + extra $15 off with code | EXT**** |
| 15 Apr 2019 | $30 off activities and experiences | SUM**** |
| 9 Apr 2019 | Up to 50% off experiences + extra 10% off with code | FIN**** |
Klook
Up to 60% off activities, experiences and things to do
Valid on select dates including holidays like Christmas season, New Year's and more depending on the destination. Destinations are Hong Kong, Singapore, Osaka, Taipei, Dubai, Sydney, Melbourne, London, Paris, New York and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Agoda
Up to 75% off + Extra 5% off hotels worldwide
Valid for stays from 22 October 2018 - 31 December 2020, including over Christmas. Destinations include Bali, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, Amsterdam, Sydney, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Otel.com
Extra 8% off hotel bookings
Valid on hotel stays worldwide on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Last verified
RedBalloon
Up to 50% off experiences + extra 10% off with code
Valid on all dates, including over Christmas on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, ghost tours and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
RedBalloon
$10 off zoo entries across Australia
Valid for use for zoo activities and tours across Australia including Taronga Zoo, Melbourne Zoo and the Australia Zoo, perfect for school holidays and Christmas break. Minimum spend of $80. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
CruiseAway
Up to 50% off New Zealand cruises
Valid for sailings on select dates in 2019 - 2020 including Christmas season. Destinations include Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Tauranga, Bay of Islands, Akaroa. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
My Bali
Up to $3,250 free in extras with Bali holiday packages
Valid for travel on select dates until December 2019 including Christmas season across Bali. Inclusive of return flights, unique bonus values, accommodation and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Klook
Get up to $80 off Bali tours and attractions
Save on snorkelling tours, Waterbom entry, whitewater rafting, Mount Batur hiking tours especially on holidays like Christmas, New Year's and more.
Last verified
U River Cruises
Europe river cruises from $1,999
Cruise through Germany, Netherlands, Hungary and see Europe's Christmas markets on select dates until December 2019.
Last verified
Travel Talk
Up to 50% off Christmas and New Year tours
Valid for travel on departures dates in Christmas and New Year season. Destinations include Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Morocco , Russia or Ski Bansko. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Travel Talk
Russia: Up to 50% off Christmas 6-day tour
Valid for travel on 29 December 2019. Other destinations include Moscow, St. Petersburg and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Travel Talk
Up to 50% off Bansko ski tours + unlimited drinks
Valid for travel on select dates including Christmas and New Year tours. Includes return airport shuttles, expert tour leader, unlimited drinks and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Rail Europe
Up to 90% off Germany train tickets
Valid for travel on select dates including Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets season. Destinations include Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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AnyBoat
Christmas cruises from $110
Valid for travel on select dates including Christmas season. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Whitsundays, Melbourne, Port Stephens and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Insight Vacations
$150 off global tours
Valid for use on any Insight Vacations tours in 2019 - 2020 including Christmas season. Destinations include Europe, Britain, Ireland, Italy, France, Belguim, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 50% off Middle East cruises
Valid for sailings on select dates in 2019 - 2020 including Christmas season. Destinations include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, Manama, Eilat. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 35% off USA cruises
Valid for sailings on select dates in 2019 - 2020 including Christmas season. Destinations include Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Diego, Vancouver, Seattle and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
RedBalloon
Dreamworld and WhiteWater World 1-day passes from $95
Valid for use on select dates including Christmas season at Dreamworld and WhiteWater World in Gold Coast. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
My Queensland
Up to $2,250 free in extras Queensland packages with flights
Valid for travel until December 2019 including Christmas season. Includes accommodation, return flights, daily buffet breakfast, kids stay and eat breakfast for free and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Get Your Guide
Up to 20% off Italy attractions and experiences
Valid for travel on select dates until December 2019 including Christmas season. Destinations include Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Naples, Murano, Burano, Pisa and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Christmas season: 7% off 10-day Sydney cruises
Valid for travel on 20 December 2019 for Christmas season across Sydney with Royal Caribbean. Destinations include New Caledonia, Mystery Island, Lifou, Maré and more. Additional bookable flights included. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
AnyBoat
Sydney Harbour cruises from $110
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 with Christmas cruises on Super Cat. Inclusive of dance floors, dining and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Topdeck
Christmas package: 4-day Belgium tours from $560
Valid for travel from 24 - 27 December 2019 during Christmas season across London to Bruges, Belgium. Inclusive of walking tours, daily meals, free Wi-Fi, tour guide and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Contiki
Christmas package: 4-day Paris tours from $635
Valid for travel on 23 December 2019 across London. Destinations include Dover, Calais and more. Inclusive of daily meals, private transport and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Christmas sale: 38% off Australia and New Zealand cruises
Valid for travel until December 2020 across Australia and New Zealand. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Avis
Up to 15% off USA car hire + US$150 Universal Orlando Resort savings
Valid until 31 July 2019, including over Christmas and New Year's. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Etihad Airways
Europe flights from $1,889 return
Valid for travel until 31 December 2019 including Christmas holidays. Sample fare is Melbourne-Belgrade.
Last verified
Deal ends
Popular Travel coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Jun 2019 | Up to 20% off Europe trips with code | CAM**** |
| 26 Jun 2019 | Extra 15% off with code | FIN**** |
| 26 Jun 2019 | Up to 15% off site-wide with code | MEG**** |
| 25 Jun 2019 | Extra 10% off whale watching with code | FIN**** |
| 25 Jun 2019 | $30 off car rentals | FIN**** |
Looking for more travel deals over Christmas? Check out all of our promo codes and discounts.
10 tips to get the cheapest Christmas flights and holidays
1. Fly on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and/or New Year’s Day
Flights during the week before Christmas Day tend to be the most expensive for the month as everyone who’s searching for a Christmas getaway will want to be at their destination on the 25th. If you’re not that picky, fly ON Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
If you're travelling somewhere that's only an hour or two away, you may still be able to get to your celebrations before lunch.
It may not be the best thing celebration-wise but it could save you hundreds.
Just be wary of transport to your hotel when you arrive as some cities shut down or limit public transport on Christmas Day (eg, London) or charge a public holiday surcharge.
2. Fly back mid-January
Those people flying out before Christmas Day will most likely be flying back just after New Year’s.
So try to avoid flights in the week following New Year’s Day to cash in on the cheaper fares that follow.
3. Holiday in a country that doesn’t celebrate Christmas
Where there will be Christmas celebrations, tourists will flock, so choose places that don’t really celebrate such as China, Cambodia, Japan and Morocco and you might find less of a fluctuation in airfares compared to other destinations.
4. Pick destinations that are generally more affordable
Shave costs by choosing destinations that are either closer to home or are more affordable.
While places like Southeast Asia are cheap anytime and will be a bit more expensive during the holidays, prices won't bloat as much as big cities or pricier destinations.
5. Keep it local
Don't rule out short flights within your own country for a Christmas break. It's still a break after all and you won’t have to worry about passports, visas and currency exchanges to boot.
We took a look to see how much a return flight over the holiday period using Skyscanner's fly everywhere tool. We chose flights departing Saturday 22 December and returning 1 January 2018 and here are some sample fares we found:
- Melbourne to Sydney for $166 return (Jetstar)
- Sydney to Ballina Byron for $264 return (Jetstar)
- Brisbane to Townsville for $271 return (Jetstar)
Check out what other flights are available here
6. Ditch the flight altogether and take a road trip
If you're keeping it local, why not make it a road trip instead? Big families can benefit from this most as you’ll only have to pay a set price for the car hire instead of purchasing separate seats for each member of the brood on the plane.
According to our car hire tool, hiring a car from Sydney CBD for 22 December 2018 to 1 January 2018 (drive out Saturday morning and drive back in on New Year's Day public holiday and only take three days off work) starts at $505.59.
7. Once you arrive, don't stay in hotels
We don’t have to tell you twice that booking through a short term or vacation rental service like Airbnb or Vrbo can save you heaps. Christmas is no exception. Prices are set by the renters and accommodation can vary from anything from a room in an apartment to a whole house. If in doubt, you can compare it against current hotel prices via Hotels Finder.
8. Camp it
Bring down the holiday splurge a little more by opting to go camp instead of booking accommodation. Family tents can be found for less than $300 and can be reused on your next trip.
Sites are much cheaper than hotels or Airbnb-style accommodation, and are sometimes even free if you're willing to forfeit facilities.
9. Opt for a package
Bundled packages which include flights, accommodation and sometimes activities can be a godsend during the peak period. To be fair, prices per package do go up according to the season but with everything sorted for you it’s a time-saver – especially for the budget savvy of us who have to research and compare every different option.
Check out the packages sections of sites like Flight Centre or My Queensland to see just how much you can save on your holiday.
10. Fly without extras
If you're not having any luck with the price of your actual flight, consider forgoing extras like checked baggage (or share luggage to cut costs in half), in-flight meals and drinks.
We find these perks on budget airlines significantly increase the price of your flight - sometimes even doubling it. It may not seem like much, but if you're travelling with a family of four, these extras can easily add up to an extra night's hotel stay. Think of it as bonus vacation.
Note: All prices mentioned below are accurate at the time of writing (September 2018) and are subject to change.
