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We’ve all dreamed of a relaxing summer vacation, but between travel and accommodation, the costs can quickly add up.
And while there’s no fixing the fact that a summer vacation, even here in the US, will cost you a pretty penny, there is one thing you can do to cut back on some of those expenses – and that’s timing your holidays.
Hopperone of the largest travel agencies in the world, just released its version Consumer travel index 2nd quarter 2023a report that started with a six-month domestic airfare forecast.
By analyzing historical and current trends, the company was able to figure out exactly what trajectory airline ticket prices will follow this summer. So if you, like many other travelers, are in a hurry to plan your vacation, below are the best (and worst) times to fly cost-wise.
The best times to travel
Since we’re starting with the good news first, I also want to quickly mention that flight prices this year have been and will remain lower than 2019 levels, showing that even though everything else may have gotten higher, expensive, at least we can save some money on airline tickets.
Now let’s see what you came here for in the first place.
August is the best and cheapest time to travel this summer, with domestic airfare averaging just $267 during the month.
And if you are one of those people who don’t mind enjoying a beach holiday a little later in the year, then September is without a doubt the perfect choice.
The weather is still dreamy (if not better than in the summer months, since you don’t have to deal with the scorching heat), the beaches are much less crowded and airfares will finally hit their seasonal low at just $264 – and don’t forget the tend hotel prices follow a similar trend.
So the overall conclusion is that if you are not influenced by school calendars or other external factors that force you to plan your vacation earlier in the summer, choosing the latest possible time that you feel comfortable with is always a budget-friendly idea.
Which months should you avoid?
At the time of writing this article (April), round-trip tickets average just under $300, which is a bit on the pricey side for domestic travel, so unless you’re somewhere you need to get there ASAP, your best bet avoid traveling at this time.
And as the weather warms up, prices will only increase.
Airfares in May will remain just below the $310 mark and will reach their annual peak of $315 as we get closer to June.
Come June, prices will get cheaper, although they will still fall into the $300 range, so budget-conscious travelers may want to hold off on booking those tickets.
The only month we have yet to discuss is July, as it is quite middle of the road in terms of airfare.
Domestic airline tickets will cost an average of $282, which, while not particularly cheap, is still an acceptable rate even for those looking to cut back on travel costs.
If you have children going back to school in August or you have previous commitments that prevent you from traveling in late summer, planning your trip in July is your best bet.
Where to?
You have already decided when to book your summer holiday, but where are you going?
If you’re having trouble choosing a destination, Hopper is once again here to help by highlighting some of the most popular places in the area.
According to the platform, people generally prefer the less crowded hotspots that promise a more relaxing experience – Cape Cod (Massachusetts), Cody (Wyoming) and Bar Harbor (Maine) currently top the list.
And if you’re feeling adventurous this year, a holiday abroad might be just what you need.
Asia in particular is hugely popular right now, with classic hotspots like Osaka and Seoul becoming more popular than ever (but be warned: return tickets cost a hefty $1,300).
Other cheaper-to-reach destinations that like-minded travelers are currently loving include Ponta Delgada, Malaga, Nice and Palma de Mallorca.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
