Unveiling the Ideal Timing for Snagging Summer Travel Bargains
With school out and a string of long weekends – Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day – summer is a sought-after time for travel. A staggering number of Americans, close to half, typically gear up for summer trips that involve flights or overnight stays. However, the peak season for travel may also mean larger crowds and inflated prices. This is why it’s crucial to secure your travel plans well in advance. But, what is the optimal booking window? We caught up with travel expert Katie Kubitskey, based in Kentucky, to get the inside scoop on all things summer travel.
Meet the Specialist
Katie Kubitskey is the founder of My World Travel and holds certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for travel organization. Her agency crafts tailored journeys worldwide based on clients’ budgets and preferences. Having catered to thousands of travelers who have explored over 60 countries, Katie brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Ideal Timing for Booking Summer Flights
For travelers taking to the skies, securing flight tickets is a top priority, with prices fluctuating considerably. Kubitskey offers varying advice on when to book a summer flight, depending on whether you’re jetting off internationally or domestically.
International Travel
For overseas travel, grab your seats at least six months ahead, though Kubitskey recommends allowing 9 to 12 months to plan for a trip abroad. “Booking closer to your departure date often means being at the mercy of airline prices without room to monitor for changes,” she noted. “The prime time to snag competitive fares is usually around 8 to 9 months in advance – or last-minute, though that can be stressful!”
Domestic Travel
If your travels are within the country, booking flights 3 to 4 months earlier works well. However, commencing your search 6 to 9 months in advance provides better availability.
Strategies for Flight Pricing
Once you start tracking flight costs, there are tricks to uncovering the best deals.
Embrace Flexible Dates: Having flexible travel dates is advantageous. Shifting your departure by a day can translate to significant savings.
Conduct Thorough Research: Kubitskey suggests signing up with Going.com (previously known as “Scott’s Cheap Flights”). This is particularly handy for flyers preferring smaller regional airports near their residence. Upon registering and listing your preferred airports, the site notifies you of budget-friendly deals from those departure points.
Leverage Google Flights: Another handy tool is Google Flights’ “Explore” feature. “Input a rough travel timeframe,” Kubitskey advised. “You can specify a destination or opt for ‘anywhere.’ It’s engaging to scroll through and view the diverse prices.”
When to Reserve Summer Accommodations
Advanced booking of lodgings can also enhance your chances of securing great bargains and a broader array of choices. Kubitskey suggests kicking off your hotel search
Ensure that everyone’s needs in the group can be accommodated. The smaller the group, the fewer considerations you will have, making it more flexible for couples or solo travelers.
When planning a camping trip to a national park or state campground, keep in mind that these popular outdoor destinations can fill up quickly. Reservations are often accepted 3 to 6 months in advance, so be sure to check the individual park websites for more details. Early booking is recommended for popular campsites near Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Lodge in Pigeon Forge.
In addition to booking your plane tickets and accommodations, don’t overlook other important details that can contribute to a successful trip. Remember to arrange for car rentals in advance to avoid any inventory shortages. Booking about a week before your trip may get you the best deal. Consider looking for deals through peer-to-peer car-sharing sites like Turo.
For amusement parks, purchase your tickets as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, as popular destinations may offer reservations up to a year in advance. Check for discounts through memberships like AARP or AAA, or for special groups such as first responders, teachers, seniors, or veterans.
If you plan to dine at fine restaurants or popular dinner spots during your trip, check when reservations can be made, especially for larger groups. Keep in mind that June and July tend to be crowded months at popular destinations due to school breaks, so consider traveling earlier or later for a more relaxed experience.
Lastly, consider the weather conditions at your destination. For instance, traveling to Everglades National Park during hurricane season or in the peak of summer may result in higher insect activity and humidity. Be prepared with a backup plan and consider travel insurance for added protection.
For bucket list travel destinations like Disney theme parks, it’s advisable to book as early as 9 to 12 months in advance due to high demand. Prices tend to increase closer to the travel date. If you’re looking for a great summer destination in the South, consider Louisville, Kentucky, known for its culinary, bourbon, and arts scene, as well as music festivals.
Take these tips into consideration as you plan your summer travels to make the most of your trip.
Are you ready for your summer adventure? Make sure to plan your trip to Louisville in advance! Explore our detailed guides showcasing the top activities to do in Louisville, the finest dining spots in the city, and delightful small towns nearby waiting to be discovered. And if you’re seeking more travel ideas, don’t miss out on our compilation of lesser-known Southern cities worth visiting this summer. Dive into the full article on Southern Living for even more travel inspiration.
