Dreaming of a European getaway or a sun-drenched beach vacation but don't want to break the bank on summer travel? You're not alone.
Six of 10 (62%) Americans intend to book a summer trip for a week or longer that takes them 100-plus miles from home, according to Allianz Partners USA's 16th Annual Vacation Confidence Index.
The good news? Even though the kids are already out of school and the Fourth of July summer kickoff is days away, it's not too late to book a trip without busting the budget.
"If you're flexible, proactive and open-minded, a summer vacation is doable for most people," said Lee Abbamonte, a travel expert who's been to every country in the world.
Summer Travel Takes Planning
But like any other shopping excursion, getting the best deals on summer travel takes planning and a little legwork. Following money-saving travel tips from the pros helps, too.
And you don't have to be chintzy to save money on a summer vacation, either. Making your trip more affordable is more about being flexible about your travel dates and where and when you go.
Let's start with the Fourth of July. Last-minute travelers can still snag a cheaper flight if they wait until Monday or Tuesday, according to an Expedia spokesperson. The most popular destinations this year include New York and Las Vegas, as well as Amsterdam and Tokyo, Expedia says.
Save On Summer Travel Airfare
Airfare, a big-ticket item, is trending lower this summer than in 2023, offsetting the sticker-shock of summer travel. Half (52%) of travelers this summer plan to fly domestically and 22% plan to fly internationally, according to Deloitte's "2024 Summer Travel Survey."
For those traveling abroad or flying to another U.S. city for a little rest, domestic airfares are down 13% from a year ago and international flights are 3% cheaper, according to Kayak's "Travel Check-In: Summer 2024" report. European flights this summer are averaging $892 per ticket, down 16% from last year, according to Hopper, a travel booking app.
One reason for the decline in airfares is there are more seats available, says Sean Cudahy, aviation reporter at the travel website The Points Guy. The total number of seats this summer for domestic flights is up 5% vs. last year, and seats on European flights are up 8.5%. "This increase has led to stiff competition to fill these seats," said Cudahy.
Snagging A Good Deal
With the June 20 official start of summer back now behind us, you might be wondering if it's too late to snag a good deal on a flight. The answer is no. The window is still open to save, but the clock is ticking as July nears.
"The sweet spot for booking your summer trip is (now)," said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations.
The optimal time to book a flight, according to Expedia's "Summer Travel Outlook," is 21 to 60 days before your departure date. That so-called sweet spot typically nets savings of about 15%. But if you're flying domestically, don't wait till the last second and book less than a week out, as your ticket could cost 15% more, according to Expedia.
Travel With Flexibility
Sunday is the cheapest day to book a flight, netting savings of up to 13%, according to Expedia. You'll pay the most if you book on a Friday.
You can also save money by flying on less popular days and being flexible with your travel dates. The best and cheapest day to travel domestically is Tuesday, while Monday offers the best value for international flights. Flying on those less-trafficked days can save you 15% compared with flying on Thursday or Friday.
To take advantage of lower airfares on less popular days, Hopper recommends travelers on weeklong trips depart on a Wednesday and return on a Tuesday. And for those taking 10-day trips, the travel app recommends departing on a Monday and returning on a Wednesday.
Setting up price alerts on travel websites is another way to buy plane tickets and hotel rooms when they go on sale or offer discounts. You could also save a bundle by opting for a connecting flight rather than a round-trip one. But make sure you're not inconvenienced by the extra leg of your trip.
Book Summer Travel In August
To net the biggest savings on airfare, book international travel dates in late August, according to Kayak. The period from Aug. 12 to 25 is currently tracking as the cheapest time to fly abroad, according to Kayak data.
"Airlines have noted more and more school districts are returning earlier and earlier, shifting the traditional summer 'peak' far earlier in the calendar," said Cudahy. Fewer kids and fewer families mean cheaper ticket prices. Expedia says flying during mid- to late August can yield savings of up to $265 on a round-trip ticket vs. the last week of June, when prices peak.
Save Money On French Summer Travel
If you're dead set on going to Paris but not attending the 2024 Summer Olympics, avoiding the City of Light, which hosts The Games from July 26 through Aug. 11, will probably save you money.
Flight searches to Paris are up 26% from a year ago and hotel searches are up 180%, according to Kayak. And hotel rooms in Paris won't be cheap. Rates at five-star hotels were up 36% (the average per-night room rate is $1,284 based on current exchange rates) vs. the 2024 average, four-star accommodations were 67% higher ($552), and three-star hotels were 70% higher ($400), according to Lighthouse, a commercial platform for the travel and hospitality industry.
Tips To Save On Summer Travel
Airfare isn't the only cost travelers will encounter, of course. There are hotels, dinners out, and side trips to think about. And cost is also a function of demand. The more popular destinations (think Paris and Rome) tend to cost more.
That's why many travel and personal finance experts say cost savings can be found in destinations that are somewhat off the beaten track. "A great way to lower your out-of-pocket costs is to take the road less traveled," said Ted Rossman, an analyst a personal finance site Bankrate.com.
Follow The Deals
Another money-saving trick is to let the deal dictate what city or country you visit. "Travel off the beaten path," Hayley Berg of Hopper advised in a blog post. Looking for destinations that are currently offseason can net savings and be a great deal.
For example, if you've always wanted to go to South Beach in Miami, now is the time to get deals, not in the dead of winter when Florida is a destination mecca for travelers looking to escape the cold. Most airfares to Florida this summer are in the $300 range, Kayak data shows.
Head South For Summer Travel
Heading South could save you cash, despite the warmer temperatures. Flight fares to Mexico this summer are down 16% vs. last year, the Caribbean is 15% lower, and airfare to Central America is 14% lower, Kayak data shows.
"Consider summer destinations that are off-peak in the summer, essentially anywhere except Europe," said Abbamonte. "Flights and hotels will be much cheaper." Europe lovers might also consider holding off travel until the shoulder season, which starts in September.
You might also save money if you seek out hidden gems, or cities or countries that aren't on the A-list of most popular destinations, the Deloitte survey found. "After a rush to Europe last year, international travelers are diversifying destinations," the survey said.
Summer Travel Off The Beaten Path
Africa is the No. 1 trending destination this summer, according to Kayak. Average round-trip airfares to Africa are up 1% to $1,497, Kayak says.
Kayak also reported notable increases in cities such as Tirana in Albania, Vienna in Austria and Bucharest in Romania. So-called alt destinations in Europe also include Switzerland and Germany. The Hopper app is seeing top-trending destinations such as Sardinia (an island near Sicily), as well as Portugal, which remains a cheaper destination than other European countries.
Seek Hotel Options
While hotels still account for the bulk of travel bookings, many travelers are looking to stretch their budgets by booking alternative accommodations. One in four (23%) travelers plan to stay in private rentals (like Airbnb-type accommodations). And stays in places such as bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs) and recreational vehicles (RVs) are up 8% from last year to 14%, according to Deloitte.
Another way to save if you want to stay in a ritzy hotel is to book expensive hotels on Sunday or Monday, not high-in-demand nights like Friday and Saturday, Berg of Hopper advises.
Abbamonte recommends using flight apps such as Skyscanner to find where you can fly cheaply from your own airport.
Use Summer Travel Rewards
And if you have a credit card that offers travel awards, take advantage of them to trim your summer travel costs, says Bankrate's Rossman. Review your balances for frequent-flyer miles, hotel points and other loyalty programs. You might be able to get a free flight or hotel accommodation.
Another way to save on vacation is to avoid tourist traps like restaurants. You can skip eating out for three meals a day. Also opt to eat at restaurants where the locals go. You can also pick up food and drinks at a supermarket for a picnic lunch. Finally, make sure the credit card you're using doesn't charge an international fee for each transaction.
What Financial Advisors Say About Splurging On Summer Travel
There's nothing wrong with spending money on a well-deserved vacation, just as long as it aligns with your financial position and does not create financial hardship, says John Jones, investment advisor representative at Heritage Financial.
"You can't take money with you when you die," said Jones. "If one has budgeted out for purchasing souvenirs or eating out at certain restaurants, then there's nothing wrong with that."
