Share the article
Last updated
There’s only one thing better than heading out to the winter sun when it’s cold outside: on a budget!
Let’s face it: none of us have an unlimited pot of money.
And the less we spend on our flights to arrive at our dream vacation spot, the more money we can spend when we get there.
So how do you find those elusive cheap flights?
Google flights analyzed their booking data and found that this is the best times to book your flights if you want the cheapest flights this winter:
When to book the cheapest flights to Mexico
According to Google Flights, the best time to book an international flight is at a minimum 50 days before departure, with the lowest average prices falling 101 days before you want to fly.
But when it comes to booking the cheapest flights to Mexico, the normal rules don’t apply!
If you want to get the cheapest possible flights to Mexico, you’ll have to be patient.
Google Flights has found that prices for travel from the US to both Mexico and the Caribbean are at their lowest historically 44 days before departurewith the price range for low flights being between 26 and 68 days before departure.
So do you want to land in Mexico on December 23, so that you can spend Christmas in the sun, for example? Then you must book your flight on November 9 to get the best price!
And if Thanksgiving in the sun is more your thing, then you should book your flights via October 14 for the cheapest flight options, if the same pattern holds.
Mexico is a dream vacation destination for American travelers looking for winter sun. And it’s a great place to spend the holidays.
Google even listed Cancun as 2ndi.e most searched destination for American travelers this holiday season.
Winter in Europe
Does the same rule apply if you want to escape this winter, but would rather experience the cold and culture of Europe during the holidays?
The simple answer is no! Booking flights to Europe is a completely different story. And you’ll have to plan a little further ahead.
Travel to Europe when departing from the US has historically been cheapest 94 days before your departure date.
However, the same rules for international travel that I mentioned above also apply here. Always book at least 50 days before departure to receive the prizes: don’t wait until the last minute or your wallet won’t thank you!
So do you want to arrive in Europe on December 23 to spend Christmas there?
Then you have to think quickly! The cheapest day to book your flights is September 19, next week.
Other tips to get the cheapest possible flight prices
Of course, predicting when flights will be cheapest isn’t an exact science, and not everyone would do it.
But they should give you a good idea of when to start comparing flight prices and when to book!
It’s also interesting to note that while some people swear by booking flights on Tuesday, the reality is that flights booked on Tuesday (the cheapest day to book) are only 1.3% cheaper than flights booked on Sunday (the most expensive day to book). .
So if you find a price that works for you, don’t wait just because you’re not looking on Tuesday!
What can make a difference is not the day you book, but the day you fly.
It turns out that flying on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday is 13% cheaper than flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday for international flights.
If you look at domestic flights, this price difference is up to 20%.
And if you’re on a budget and don’t mind bothering yourself to save a few bucks, look for flights with layovers instead of nonstop flights.
Non-stop flights appear to be 25% more expensive than flights with stops.
And if you’re taking a long-haul flight or traveling as a family, that can add up to a significant amount of money!
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
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.
