PB Travels: Summer Travel Cheat Sheet, Revealing Cheapest Times To Fly

Summer Travel Cheat Sheet, Revealing Cheapest Times To Fly TRAVELS

& Places to go

According to Expedia® data, searches for summer getaways have steadily increased over the last month, with many top destinations seeing double-digit increases week-over-week in March. Destinations seeing a recent spike in interest for June to August travel include Singapore (+60%), Houston (+55%), Bali (+35%) and Washington, D.C. (+35%), indicating travelers are researching getaways both near and far. With summer vacation FOMO taking hold, Expedia offers a look at the season's trending destinations and tips for helping travelers get more out of their summer trips, including how to score the season's cheapest fares. "People are ready to make their summer vacations happen no matter what," said Christie Hudson, senior public relations manager for Expedia. "With many travel restrictions easing over the past month, travelers have been inspired to dust off their bucket lists and get a jumpstart on planning. Prices are already reflecting that pent-up demand, so timing is going to be key for getting the best deal." Summer hotspots: These are some of the trending destinations travelers are eyeing for summer getaways, based on recent spikes in flight searches: Beach bliss: Bali (+35%), Maldives (+25%), Santorini (+20%), Los Angeles (+20%), Bar Harbor (+20%) U.S. city breaks: Chicago (+40%), Houston (+55%), Washington, D.C. (+35%), Austin (+30%), New York City (+30%) Adventures abroad: Singapore (+60%), Stockholm (+35%), Ontario (+35%), Berlin (+30%), Dubai (+20%) National and state parks and other outdoor destinations are expected to remain popular this summer as top road-trip destinations, including Mount Rushmore, and Yellowstone National Park. Best times to travel this summer: August is the cheapest month to fly, with average ticket prices (ATPs) nearly 10% lower compared to July and 5%

cheaper than June. The most expensive day to fly is July 1st, the Friday prior to the July 4th holiday, when average ticket prices are 25% higher than average for summer months.

Between June and August, the highest ATPs are generally found on Fridays and the cheapest tend to occur on Tuesdays. Where to fly under $350 roundtrip: These are a few of the cities where average ticket prices are below $350 for the summer months: Toronto, San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Providence, Myrtle Beach, Kelowna, Nashville, New Orleans and Charleston.

Expert tips for booking this summer's getaway

Book early and book smart: As with demand, prices will likely increase as the months go by, making last-minute deals harder to find. Travelers should lock in plans early by using "free cancellation" filters on Expedia and choosing flights with waived change fees. While it may be tempting to save a few dollars by choosing restrictive basic economy or saver fares, selecting flexible options will not only save travelers money in the long run but also ensure peace of mind as plans can change. Be flexible with dates: When viable, travelers should remain flexible with their travel dates. For instance, choosing a weekday over a weekend or avoiding traveling over the holidays can yield savings. Use fare calendars and create price alerts to track pricing and snag a deal. Bundle to save: More likely than not, travelers will need airfare, hotel and sometimes a rental car for a single trip. Booking them together – also known as bundling – on Expedia can save travelers hundreds of dollars. Expedia® is one of the world's leading full-service travel brands, with a mission of helping travelers get the most out of every trip they take by providing everything they need all in one place.

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