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When Is the Best Time to Travel?

Person holds toy airplane on beach.

You’ve always had dreams of going on the perfect vacation. You fantasize about a luxury hotel with big soft beds, a pool, and quality dining options. Unfortunately, putting the plan into action is a lot more complicated than it looks on paper. Traveling is quite costly, and factors such as flight delays and competing for reservations can hinder your experience. Doing your research and having a plan is the best way to ensure a relaxing vacation.

Read on for info on timing your travel and ways you can save.

Finding the Right Time

One of the most important factors in planning your next vacation is finding the time. No matter your situation, you want to pick a time where you can get the best deal to travel. Some days of the week are cheaper to fly than others. Sundays and Mondays are the busiest days, since they are in the beginning of the workweek and prices tend to be higher. On the other end of the spectrum, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are generally cheaper to fly. It is also better to travel early in the morning as opposed to evenings, as there is less chance of a delayed or canceled flight.

The time of year is also pivotal when planning a vacation. Peak season tends to be around major holidays or during the summer when the weather is more pleasant. Unfortunately, prices for airfare and hotels are more expensive then. Typically, the fall and spring are the best times of year to travel, as they're considered the shoulder season for vacations. The price range for flying and hotels is in the median range and the weather is more manageable. The offseason is when cost of travel is at its lowest. There are few major holidays, and the weather may not be ideal depending on your destination.

Each month has an optimal travel window for tourists. Below are the travel windows for flights leaving the USA.

  • January: Off peak season, prices are at their lowest
  • February: Off peak season, prices are at their lowest
  • March: Off peak season, latter half of the month can be considered shoulder season
  • April: Shoulder season, spring break for students, prices likely to increase
  • May: Shoulder season, prices continue to increase
  • June: Peak season, popular time to travel due to summer weather
  • July: Peak season, popular time of year due to summer weather
  • August: Peak season, prices begin to fall going into the fall
  • September: Shoulder season
  • October: Shoulder season
  • November: Shoulder season, prices later on increase during Thanksgiving weekend
  • December: Peak season, major holidays such as Christmas

Travel windows can vary depending on your desired destination. To give an example, trips to Europe are generally much cheaper in the fall and winter months. This is because the days are shorter and the weather is much colder. When flying internationally, it is vital to purchase your ticket a few months ahead of your departure date to guarantee an affordable price. You do not want to buy a flight too early, as prices can drop due to various factors. Purchasing a last-minute ticket can be costly, though, as airlines raise their prices closer to the travel date.

How far in advance you should buy your ticket depends on your destination. Below is a list of time frames to buy your tickets internationally.

  • Canada: 3 months in advance
  • Mexico: 1.5 months in advance
  • The Caribbean: 2 months in advance
  • Central America: 3 months in advance
  • South America: 2.5 months in advance
  • Europe: 1.5 months in advance
  • Africa: 2.5 months in advance
  • Oceania/South Pacific: 1.5 months in advance
  • Asia: 4.5 months in advance
  • Middle East 2.5 months in advance

What Types of Deals Can I Find on DealNews?

Flight Deals

Finding affordable air travel is the first step toward saving money on your next vacation. DealsNews can help you find discounted airfare for domestic and international flights. For instance, at the time of publication you could get a Dollar Flight Club Lifetime Membership for $39.99. This service can alert you to flight deals for your next travel destination. Some of their deals include flights to Hawaii starting at $161 roundtrip and Japan starting at $455 roundtrip. This handy travel tool can boast an average of $500 saved per ticket and be a valuable asset to tourists who want to save money. On DealNews, you can also find flight deals on Fiji Airways and Alaska Airlines, each with their own luxurious vacation destinations. We saw Fiji Airways offering travelers discounts on flights from the U.S. to Fiji and New Zealand, for instance.

Cruise Deals

If you enjoy sea travel, cruises are a fantastic choice for a memorable vacation. You can see multiple destinations in one trip, so cruises can be cheaper and more efficient than flying. Cruise ships also have special luxuries such as fine dining, live shows, and casinos. There is no shortage of activities on or off the boat.

We're constantly publishing new offers for deluxe cruises for both domestic and international destinations. For example, we've seen deals for weeklong Princess Cruises trips to Alaska that started at $776 for two people. Travelers could even bring a third and fourth guest for free. You can also set up email alerts for travel coupons from TravelZoo and Southwest Vacations. These deals can offer substantial savings for your next vacation.

Vacation Packages

Planning a vacation can be an arduous task. You have to figure out the logistics of getting to your hotel, in addition to finding fun activities to enjoy. Having an all-in-one vacation package can make enjoying yourself that much easier. These packages add structure to those not used to traveling internationally.

We list deals on affordable travel packages that include accommodations, transfers, meals, and activities. They can range from three nights to two weeks, and prices can start at $458 per person. One notable deal we've seen before included six nights in London and Paris. Both cities are connected by train. Starting at $2,602 for two people, a package like this one could be a great way to explore European culture. We also list deals on vacations to several other destinations, including South Africa, Colombia, Greece, and Switzerland. Several of these packages are for two, so they are perfect if you are planning a honeymoon or just want time alone with a significant other.

Hotel Deals

A comfortable place to stay is half the fun of a vacation. Unfortunately, all hotels are not created equal. Common guest complaints include poor housekeeping, outdated facilities, and inconsistent customer service. You want a hotel that’s clean, with exemplary service at a reasonable price. If your accommodations are not up to par, it can significantly impact your overall experience.

You can find great discounts on hotels and resorts by browsing DealNews. For example, we've posted offers for Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, which could give you a world-class tropical experience. It includes 11 dining concepts, five bars, four pools with scuba equipment, and other luxuries. If you are looking to travel domestically, we've also listed a promotion for up to 40% off stays in Myrtle Beach. DealNews also lists sales from popular platforms such as Groupon and Hotels.com. Check out the hotel deals on our site to find your next getaway.

What Is Travel Insurance?

While going on vacation can be an enjoyable experience, not everything goes as planned. Certain factors outside of your control can cost you financially. If you want to minimize these risks, travel insurance is a valuable asset to have. It is coverage for all the risks associated with travel. Below are some examples of what travel insurance can cover.

  • Trip interruption or cancellation: This is useful for covering nonrefundable reservations such as flights and hotels due to factors outside of your control (weather, injury, sickness, job termination) Tourists with travel insurance can recoup most if not all of their total trip’s cost.
  • Lost or stolen luggage: Airlines losing your luggage is a stressful and costly situation. Filing for compensation can also be an arduous task if you lose your items at an international airport. Travel insurance can mitigate this cost.
  • Emergency evacuations: If you become ill or severely injured during your vacation, you will most likely need to be rushed back home. The insurance provider may get you transportation to the nearest medical facility in your country of origin.

While travel insurance is a valuable asset to have, there are certain situations that it will not cover. These include, but are not limited to, preexisting medical conditions, high-risk activities, or political unrest in your travel destination. There are insurance plans that allow you to cancel trips for any reason. The only caveat is a lower reimbursement for your nonrefundable reservations. It is important to read each policy carefully to know what situations are covered.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, more tourists have opted into buying travel insurance to protect themselves financially. Many credit cards offer insurance as a benefit. Below is a list of cards to consider signing up for and what they are best for.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Card; point transfer and large bonuses
  • Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card; no annual fee
  • Capital One Venture Rewards credit card; flat-rate travel rewards
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve card; bonus travel rewards and high-end perks
  • The Platinum Card from American Express; luxury perks
  • Ink Business Preferred Credit Card; business travelers

Make sure to contact your credit card provider for more information to find out which card would be best for you. If you want to change your insurance for any reason, you can cancel the policy within a specified time window (typically 10-15 days).

Numerous factors determine how much insurance will cost you, such as your age and the trip’s duration. If you want an extra sense of security while on vacation, travel insurance is a worthwhile investment to consider.

Ways to Save Even More on Travel

Proper planning and budgeting can maximize the enjoyment of your next vacation. In order to make the most out of your trip, it is also important to plan an itinerary in advance. This can help you take advantage of any deals on attractions. Below are some tips to save even more money on your vacation.

  • Eat at local restaurants and street stands to save money on food expenses
  • Use public transportation or walk instead of taking taxis around town
  • Pack light by trying to bring only the essentials with you during travel
  • Use Airbnb or other vacation rentals instead of hotels to save money on lodging
  • Look for free activities
  • Utilize travel rewards programs
  • Travel during off peak seasons

DealsNews is a valuable tool for veteran travelers or first-time tourists. A great vacation shouldn’t always break the bank. Shopping our discounts will maximize your savings so you can afford to travel more often.Consider signing up for the DealNews Select newsletter , which drops a bunch of handpicked hottest deals into your inbox every weekday. You can also set a deal alert for products you’re interested in and receive notification when they go on sale.


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