7 On Your Side: Winter travel easier on wallets

MORAGA, Calif. (KGO) -- The busy holiday travel season has come to an abrupt stop, which means there are deals to be had. Traveling this week costs about half as much as it did last week.

Most people travel when and where they have to, whether for business or family gatherings like graduations or weddings.

"I usually travel because I have to and I have to face the fares I face. This trip I used my mileage and got her by miles but normally I just have to go when I have to go," said Jude Siciliano.

But those with a bit more freedom to pick their dates might want to pick right now.

Mimi Cassidy with Moraga Travel says for budget traveler this is the time of year to pack up and go.

"Hotel stays, apartment stays, the rates are coming down," said Cassidy. "If you want to go into Ireland you can get the non-stops for around 8 or $900. Right now, it is right after Jan. 5. As soon as the kids go back to school you will see a big dip."

Hang around a Bay Area airport and there's fewer travelers than just a week ago, but there are savvy travelers.

"Just the simple fact you can kind of mix it; business and pleasure," Demetrai Smith of Jacksonville. Florida said. "Take advantage of the good prices and extend your stay. I like it. It is better than the summer."

"People are just tired of waiting for things to come back around," Cassidy said. "I think people are planning more so they are saving more and doing payments throughout the year."

Even if you can't travel this year, it's not too early to be looking ahead to 2017.