Trying to find the most expensive times to travel might seem a strange tactic.
But if your goal is to get the most for your money, you'll want to know when to avoid traveling. And that's exactly our goal in putting together this quick and easy guide. Why should you figure out when the most expensive times to travel are? Well, primarily that's so you can determine when travel is comparably cheaper. But you might also save some extra hassle on your routes. Whether you're flying or taking a different type of transport, you know crowds are tough. And along the same lines, demand typically drives prices upward. So picking the right travel dates will probably save you more than dollars. It might just make your entire trip a touch less stressful.
How to Identify the Most Expensive Times to Travel
Our guide below will give you several examples of how cost spikes could affect your trip. Some of these times you can plan for and avoid by simply moving your vacation by a few days. You can also encounter other events that could disrupt travel and cause higher prices.
Either way, it pays to know where possible problems might arise. Because you've got enough to worry about in packing for a trip as it is. The last thing you need is a nagging sense of regret for spending too much on the travel portion.
1. Every Sunday
We'll start with the easiest one to work your schedule around. As it turns out, Sundays are the most expensive days to book a flight on average. There are a couple of main reasons airlines feel comfortable bumping their prices each week.
First of all, there is the simple fact that weekends are popular times to travel. And airlines know that a lot of folks on vacation like to wrap up on Sundays. Then there are the professional travelers. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, they probably want to be back in time to prepare for the work week. Heading back home on Sunday gives them a day to get back into the groove before Monday. So if you have a flexible schedule, try to pick the most affordable days to travel on average.
We've already found that Sundays are among the most expensive times to travel. But you might be surprised to learn that Saturdays are typically among the least expensive. Tuesdays and Wednesdays can offer even bigger discounts on airline tickets, though.
2. Every December
Just as you can count on a price spike almost every week, it also comes around each year. Like clockwork, December airline prices take a trip north. Of course, this is in part because the month is packed with holidays. It's also a popular time for folks living in cold climates to warm up in more hospitable climates.
So it might not be completely feasible to avoid traveling in December altogether. But if you can avoid it, the decision will probably save you some money. In fact, if you can put off your trip till January, you'll find some of the year's cheapest rates.
If you absolutely must buy an airline ticket, prepare for some of the most expensive times to travel. There are still ways to make the most of the trip. If you find yourself in this situation, try to schedule as early in the month as possible. You'll find tickets trend upward at a steeper rate as the holidays approach.
3. Last Minute Trips
Here's one to keep in mind no matter what day or month you're traveling. As soon as you know you'll need to travel, start looking for ticket prices. Because the longer you wait, the more you're likely to spend.
There are some legitimate reasons that airlines hike their prices for last minute purchases. But there's also the obvious fact that you're in an unenviable position. You won't have time to shop around and the airlines know it. So put yourself in the driver's seat by making sure time is on your side.
Booking early gives you a range of other advantages, too. For starters, you can let the many tech tools available do the hard work for you. Maybe you already have a favorite, but there are plenty of great search tools available. Whether shopping for travel or lodging, you'll have a better chance of getting deals if you start looking early. The options will be scarcer and prices will be steeper if you wait until the last minute. Worried you'll miss a better deal after locking in? There are even some tools that will keep searching after you book to see if a lower price is available.
4. Peak Seasons
Here's one that can affect communities, states and entire countries. So you'll have to be somewhat familiar with your destination before booking your trip. It might be an obvious cultural or regional celebration like Mardi Gras. Or it could be seasonal holidays such as Spring Break.
But if your trip doesn't depend on participating in these events, you'll probably pay too much. Since everyone else is clamoring to get to where you're going, demand and prices skyrocket. Sometimes it takes shifting your trip by a few days or weeks to save some serious money.
Even if you do have to travel during a peak travel time, you can prepare. Sure, it's going to be among the most expensive times to travel. But that doesn't mean you can't utilize some of the other methods to save where you can. For example, make sure you get your reservations in as soon as possible. Especially when demand is high, you'll want to get yours before the pickings get too slim.
The Most Expensive Times to Travel Are Often Easy to Predict.
That means saving serious money on your trip can be a pretty simple process. We hope we've helped shed some light on the issue.
If so, share our article with the luxury travelers in your life. And leave us a comment below if you have any final thoughts or questions.
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