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Michiganders should expect busy holiday travel and book flights early, experts recommend

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. el-and-book-flights-early-experts-recommend.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 17th 2025 at 7:44 GMT by Detroit Free Press
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Michigan Travelers Gear Up for the Holiday Season: Insider Tips for Flights, Hotels, and Getaway Destinations

As the holiday season approaches, a growing number of Michiganders are planning their next big escape. A recent survey conducted by the Detroit Free Press reveals that more than 60% of respondents intend to travel within the next few weeks, with a strong preference for domestic destinations. The article, which dives into the latest trends and offers practical advice, paints a clear picture of what Michigan travelers should know to make the most of their holiday getaways. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the key points, enriched with additional insights from the links embedded within the original piece.

1. The Survey Snapshot: What Michigan Travelers Want

• Destination Preferences:
  - Local Highlights: 35% of surveyed residents plan to stay within Michigan, favoring places like Traverse City, Mackinac Island, and the Upper Peninsula.
  - Regional Picks: 25% are eyeing neighboring states, such as Wisconsin’s Door County or Indiana’s Brown County.
  - International Ambitions: Only 10% are looking abroad, mainly to Canada’s Niagara Falls or the U.S. Northeast.

• Travel Timing:
  - Most respondents aim to leave between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, with a spike in early December bookings.

• Budget Focus:
  - 48% said they’re hunting for the best value, especially for flights and lodging.
  - 22% are willing to splurge on premium accommodations if it means a more relaxing experience.

The survey underscores a clear trend: the holiday rush is coming, and Michiganers are ready to make the most of it—whether that means a quick weekend in a city they love or a longer escape to a scenic lakeside retreat.

2. Flight-Finding Hacks

The article offers a handy cheat sheet for snagging affordable fares:

• Book Early, but Keep an Eye Out:
  Booking 6–8 weeks in advance can lock in lower prices. However, a quick scan of the Google Flights “Price Insights” tool—linked in the article—often reveals sudden drops in the weeks leading up to departure.

• Fly Mid-Week:
  Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer the cheapest fares because airlines try to fill seats before weekend traffic peaks.

• Use Multiple Search Engines:
  The article highlights Skyscanner and Kayak as alternative aggregators that sometimes surface lower fares not found on mainstream sites like Expedia or Priceline.

• Consider Budget Carriers:
  While airlines such as Delta and United dominate the Michigan flight market, carriers like Southwest and Spirit can offer competitive prices—especially if you’re traveling to major hubs like Chicago O’Hare or Detroit Metropolitan.

• Leverage Loyalty Points:
  For frequent flyers, redeeming points or miles from programs such as United’s MileagePlus or Delta’s SkyMiles can slash or even cover a full flight. The article links to the MileagePlus FAQ page for a quick overview of how points translate into seats.

3. Hotel Savvy: Securing Comfortable Stays

With the surge in holiday bookings, hotels can be pricey. The article shares several smart strategies:

• Early Bird Reservations:
  Booking at least 4–6 weeks ahead is the best bet. In addition, the linked HotelTonight app offers last‑minute deals if you’re flexible on dates.

• Package Deals:
  Some hotels in popular spots like Mackinac Island offer “stay + dinner” or “stay + spa” packages that deliver a full experience at a lower total cost.

• Use Loyalty Programs:
  Programs such as Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG Rewards Club can help you accumulate points quickly and unlock free nights or room upgrades. The article references the Marriott Bonvoy app, which provides a step‑by‑step guide to earning and redeeming points.

• Consider Off‑Campus Options:
  For students or young travelers, college towns often have budget-friendly lodging, including hostels and short‑term rentals. The article mentions the Airbnb listings for the Upper Peninsula as an alternative to hotels.

• Bundle Deals:
  Some airlines partner with hotel chains for bundled discounts. For instance, American Airlines’ AAdvantage® partners with Hyatt and Westin, giving you a 10–20% discount on room rates when you book a flight + hotel package.

4. Packing & Preparation Tips

• Lighten the Load:
  The article advises travelers to pack essentials only, using a rolling suitcase or duffel to reduce the risk of checked baggage fees.

• Stay Connected:
  A local hotspot or an international SIM card can keep you connected without high roaming charges—especially useful if you’re heading to the Upper Peninsula where cell service can be patchy.

• Health & Safety:
  A quick link to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides the latest guidance on COVID‑19 testing and vaccination for travelers, ensuring peace of mind.

5. Spotlight on Michigan’s Best Holiday Destinations

Traverse City

• Why Visit?
  Known for its cherry orchards and vibrant downtown, Traverse City offers seasonal events like the “Traverse City Holiday Market” where artisans sell handmade goods.

• Accommodation Highlight:
  The Grand Traverse Resort offers a winter cabin package that includes fireplace rentals and a complimentary breakfast.

Mackinac Island

• Why Visit?
  Famous for its carriage tours and Victorian architecture, the island bans cars, creating a peaceful environment.

• Travel Tip:
  Book a ferry ticket with Mackinac Island Ferry early, and consider staying at the Mackinac Island Hotel for its historic charm and proximity to the ferry dock.

Upper Peninsula (UP)

• Why Visit?
  The UP is a winter wonderland with ski resorts like Boyne Mountain and scenic drives along the Lake Superior shoreline.

• Accommodation Highlight:
  The Lutsen Lodge in Lutsen offers ski-in, ski-out access and a “Ski & Stay” discount package.

Detroit

• Why Visit?
  Detroit’s holiday light displays and the Holiday Market at the Michigan State Capitol provide urban charm.

• Accommodation Highlight:
  The Grace Hotel downtown offers a “New Year’s Eve Getaway” package that includes a rooftop dinner reservation.

6. The Bigger Picture: Michigan’s Travel Industry Boost

The article ends with an optimistic outlook. The Michigan Department of Tourism anticipates a 12% increase in domestic travel revenue during the holiday season, thanks in part to improved airline schedules and expanded hotel inventory. Local businesses, from souvenir shops to fine dining restaurants, are preparing for a surge in visitors, creating a ripple effect that supports the entire state’s economy.

7. Quick Reference Links (from the Original Article)

Bottom Line: Whether you’re staying local or venturing beyond Michigan’s borders, the holiday season is a prime opportunity to experience new places and create lasting memories. By following the practical advice from the survey and leveraging the tools linked above, Michiganders can enjoy stress‑free travel, great deals on flights and lodging, and the warmth of holiday cheer—no matter where they go.