We’ve all dreamed of a relaxing summer getaway at least once, but between travel and accommodation, the costs can rack up quickly.
And while there’s no workaround for the fact that a summer vacation, even right here in the U.S., will cost you a pretty penny, there is one thing you can do to cut down on some of those expenses – and that’s timing your holiday right.
Hopper, one of the biggest travel agencies in the world, just released its Q2 2023 Consumer Travel Index, a report that started off with a 6-month domestic airfare forecast.
By analyzing historical and current trends, the company was able to figure out the exact trajectory plane ticket prices will follow this summer, so if you, like so many other travelers, are rushing to plan your holidays, below, you’ll find 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 continue to be, lower than 2019 levels, which goes to show that even though everything else might’ve gotten more expensive, at least we’re able to save a bit on airfare.
Now, let’s get into 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 throughout the month.
And if you’re one of those people who doesn’t mind enjoying a beachy holiday a bit later on in the year, September is hands-down the perfect choice.
The weather is still dreamy (if not better than the actual summer months since you won’t have to deal with the scorching heat), the beaches are far less crowded, and plane tickets will finally reach their seasonal low at just $264 – and remember, hotel prices tend to follow a similar trend.
So, the overall takeaway is that if you’re not affected by school calendars or other external factors that force you to plan your holidays earlier in the summer, choosing the latest possible time you feel comfortable with is always a budget-savvy idea.
What Months To Avoid?
At the time of writing this article (April), round-trip tickets are averaging a little under $300, which is a bit on the pricey side for domestic travel, so unless you’ve got somewhere you need to be ASAP, it’s best to avoid traveling right now.
And as the weather starts to get warmer, prices will only increase.
Airfare in May will stay just below the $310 mark, reaching its annual peak at $315 as we get closer to June.
Come June, prices will start to get cheaper, though they’ll still fall in the $300-something range, so budget-conscious travelers, you might want to hold off on booking those tickets a bit longer.
Now, the only month we have yet to discuss is July—that’s because it’s pretty middle of the road as far as airfare pricing is concerned.
Domestic plane tickets will average $282, which, while not particularly cheap, is still an acceptable rate even among those looking to cut back on travel costs.
That’s why if you have kids going back to school in August or prior commitments that prevent you from traveling in late summer, planning your trip in July is your best bet.
Where To Head Off To?
You’ve already decided when to book your summer getaway, 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 are generally favoring the lesser-crowded hotspots that promise a more laid-back experience – Cape Cod (Massachusetts), Cody (Wyoming), and Bar Harbor (Maine) are currently topping the list.
And if you’re feeling adventurous this year, an overseas vacation might be just what you need.
Asia, in particular, is trending like crazy right now, with classic hotspots like Osaka and Seoul becoming more popular than ever (though, be warned, round-trip tickets stand at a hefty $1300).
Other cheaper-to-reach destinations that like-minded travelers are loving right now include Ponta Delgada, Malaga, Nice, and Palma de Mallorca.
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