Frugal travel calendar for the year ahead

Traveling off-season, booking early, having flexible dates, and traveling to off-the-beaten-path locations are proven budget travel strategies.

But every year, traffic patterns and annual sales occur that can help smart travelers decide when to book and when to travel.

No matter the timing, it's best to get your travel shopping done early during low-demand periods on the calendar. This means that you typically book domestic flights 30 to 60 days in advance and international travel 3 to 5 months in advance. Please also book your accommodation in advance. But make sure it's refundable so you can rebook at a lower rate if the price drops.

However, here are the best times to get the best deals on your trip.

January and February: “The best months”

This year starts with the cheapest two months for non-ski destination travel.

Since most travelers have returned from vacation trips and kids are back at school, travelers with flexible schedules have a lot of leeway on where to go at a lower price.

“Prices are among the lowest we've seen all year,” said Haley Berg, chief economist at travel booking app Hopper. This is the time when reservations can often be made.” It's a deal. ”

According to online travel agency Expedia, travelers in January and February can expect to pay 15% less on airfare and 45% less on hotel stays compared to summer prices.

During this period, cities like Washington and Chicago attract tourists with dining and theater events that offer discounts on food and shows. New York is currently combining restaurant, Broadway and hotel promotions into one event, NYC Winter Outing, which will run from January 21st to February 9th.

Samantha Brown, host of the PBS travel show “Places to Love,” said, “A tip for finding the off-season in any destination is to Google the city and 'Restaurant Week.'” .

Immediately after the New Year is a good time not only to travel, but also to book trips to faraway places. There may be a sale on tours – Exodus Adventure Travels is having one until January 20th – and Omio, the transport booking app that covers not only flights but also trains, buses and ferries. says January is your last chance to find cheap fares for a trip to Europe in May. , June and July.

Cruising's “wave season”

Cruise industry sales peak during the first quarter, which runs from January to March. This is wave season, the time when cruise lines issue their biggest booking incentives of the year.

This offer is aimed at reaching travelers who are planning their summer vacations during a season when life at sea is more appealing than the scenery at home.

Sales often come in the form of perks and upgrades, but they can also include discounts. Holland America Line launched its Wave Season Sale in December, offering departures in upgraded cabins with balconies starting at $129 per person, per day. Princess offers up to 40% off sales and $99 refundable deposits.

Early booking allows ships to get a good start in terms of occupancy and resist future rate reductions in order to fill cabins.

“With travel in general, and cruising in particular, continuing to grow, planning ahead can lead to significant savings,” said Jen Lee, president of Vacation Planners, a travel agency network. said.

“Dead Weeks”

Busy spring break and busy summer seem to be crowding out deals in the prime months. But there are a few sweet spots throughout the year that the travel industry calls dead weeks.

“A dead week is defined by a complete drop in travel, with significantly lower hotel and airfare prices,” Brown said.

Airfares can be half the price and hotels can be about a third cheaper if you plan ahead, she added.

The calendar is littered with opportunities. Expedia lists cheaper and less crowded flights during the first week of March (between Presidents Day and the start of spring break) and the last week of April.

If you avoid Labor Day weekend, you can still find bargains during the last two weeks of August. According to Expedia, fares in late August are on average $140 cheaper than peak summer fares.

But the biggest slowdown is the trough between the peaks just after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. There are exceptions, such as European Christmas market destinations, but among them, the first week of December is a good time to visit, before holiday shoppers arrive.

Consider a Caribbean vacation just before or after Thanksgiving, advises Andrew Hedley, director of business development at Tamarind Hills Resort in Antigua.

“We'll start to get into the festive spirit, but we'll avoid the premium prices and crowded resorts associated with the holidays,” Mr Hedley said.

Autumn price slump

Travel booking sites say airfares typically peak in June. However, it usually returns to normal by September. Low fares tend to be in place until October. (Be sure to book in advance to get the best deals).

“The best times of the year for domestic travel and most international travel are definitely September and October, when prices are typically about 30 percent lower than in June,” Hopper's Berg said.

According to booking platform Vrbo, September is one of the cheapest months to stay in a vacation rental.

As travelers seek to escape the crowds and heat that come with summer travel, the credibility of fall's bargains is eroding for some destinations. Luxury travel company Kensington said in a recent report that fall bookings in Europe increased by nearly 5% compared to summer bookings.

Fall coincides with the final months of hurricane season, so be aware of weather risks in tropical destinations.

year end sale

Black Friday as a travel event has exploded in recent years as travel companies seek to attract shoppers during the spending season. Black Friday sales often begin in early November and last until Cyber ​​Week or the week after Thanksgiving, which includes Travel Tuesday.

From Black Friday to Travel Tuesday, airfares are typically 25 to 30 percent cheaper than flights departing from January to May, according to Dollar Flight Club, a membership service that specializes in cheap flights.

“The sweet spot for these deals is on international flights, especially flights to Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, and airlines are offering early are competing to attract planners.”

If Bermuda is on your list, check out the destination's annual Pink Sale, which starts in late December and runs through January. Hotel offers tend to be 25-35% off throughout the year during your trip.

Travel agents refer to the weeks around Christmas and New Year's as the “festive season,” and holiday crowds tend to drive up travel prices.

However, if you are looking for a cheap city hotel, try the week leading up to Christmas. On HotelTonight, an app that offers last-minute hotel deals in 94 countries, Christmas Eve prices are about 37% cheaper than New Year's Eve.

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