How to make a smart purchase on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday

We all have that friend who brags about flying to Rome for €9 or getting a five-star hotel “for next to nothing” on Black Friday. But… is it really true?

By now, you probably know that November has become the month of deals thanks to three key dates: Black Friday (November 28), Cyber Monday (December 1), and Travel Tuesday (December 2).

The first two are already classics among bargain hunters, but you might not be as familiar with Travel Tuesday, the new favorite for travelers. It takes place the Tuesday after Cyber Monday and is dedicated entirely to travel discounts, flights, hotels, and vacation packages that last just 24 hours.

In other words, it’s the perfect excuse to finally plan that trip you’ve been putting off.

Of course, everyone loves a good discount, especially if it means traveling more for less, but when every website is shouting about “unmissable deals,” not everything that looks like a bargain truly is.

Before you rush to book that flight that’s supposedly 70% off, here’s how to shop smart without getting scammed. Because yes, real deals do exist… but you need to know how to spot them.

How to spot a real deal (and avoid the traps)

During Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday, it can feel like everything is on sale: 50% off flights, half-price hotels, and “luxury getaways” that sound too good to be true. And sure, real discounts exist, but recognizing them takes a little know-how.

Here are a few key tips to help you shop smart and catch real savings without falling for the flashy “discount” signs.

• Don’t believe the “-70%” right away

This might surprise you, but some companies raise prices in the weeks leading up to these dates just to make the discount look bigger.

What to do: Start tracking prices now to see how they fluctuate, or use tools like Skyscanner’s price history to check whether that “deal” is real, or just smoke and mirrors.

• Read the fine print

Yes, that part nobody ever reads. But you should, because those small letters often hide blackout dates, non-refundable bookings, or surprise fees.

What to do: Before you pay, check whether the final price includes taxes, baggage, or breakfast. That “40% off” could shrink to 5% once everything’s added up.

• Always compare

The same flight or hotel room can vary wildly depending on the website, or even the payment method.

What to do: Use price comparison sites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Hotels before deciding. And if a deal looks too good, double-check it on the airline’s or hotel’s official website to make sure it’s legit.

• Be skeptical of “too-good-to-be-true” bargains

A €25 flight to New York? Tempting, yes, but probably not real.

What to do: Verify reviews, terms, and official websites. If the URL looks strange or asks for unusual payment methods, walk away.

• Don’t fall for “pay now, save later”

Some discounts only apply if you prepay, but if your plans change, you’ll lose your money.

What to do: If your dates aren’t 100% confirmed, choose the free cancellation option, even if it costs a little more. Peace of mind is worth far more than saving a few euros.

• Double-check your details before paying

We’ve all been there, rushing and accidentally booking the wrong dates or even the wrong airport. Sometimes the “problem” isn’t the deal; it’s human error.

What to do: Take a moment to review everything before hitting “buy.” It’ll save you a lot of time (and frustration) later.

• Think about the whole trip

A cheap flight or hotel is great, but don’t forget everything else, transportation, parking, meals…

What to do: Do a quick total cost estimate. If you save on flights but overspend elsewhere, the “bargain” loses its magic.

Shopping during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday is exciting but remember, the best deals come to those who stay calm and informed.

With these tips, you’ll know how to spot real savings this year, and when it’s time to travel, parking with aparca&go will be another smart move. Because the best journeys start the moment you park.