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The Best and Worst Days to Fly

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Caroline Costello

Caroline Costello's travel accomplishments include surviving a 2 a.m. whitewater rafting excursion in the Canadian wilderness, successfully biking from Dusseldorf to Cologne without a map, and gaining access to a covert pizza speakeasy in New Orleans.

Caroline is an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Her work has appeared on USA Today , the Boston Globe , AOL.com, MSNBC.com, ABC News, TODAY Travel, and CruiseCritic.com, among other publications.

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Airfares jolt up and down like a plane caught in turbulence. The airlines use computer systems to set ticket prices based on a complicated mix of factors, including competition, demand, the state of the economy, seasonality, taxes, the number of views on a YouTube cat video—you name it. That’s why it’s nearly impossible to predict exactly where ticket prices will fall on any given day of the year, and which will be the cheapest or best days to fly.

Thanks to a handful of websites that compile data based on everything from direct bookings to historical studies of published fares, it’s possible to analyze fare models and get at least a rough idea of the most expensive and cheapest days to fly during the year. Use this information to figure out when a potential flight will cost you top dollar—and when you can fly for a song.

The Worst Days to Fly

Thanks to high demand and correspondingly high fares, the following times of year are usually the most expensive days to fly.

Christmas and New Year’s

The Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel window is more or less a 17-day period that overlaps the two holidays by about five or six days, according to statistics gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Peak days always depend on when the weekends fall in relation to the holidays, since lots of people want to travel over convenient long weekends.

Note that it’s not unusual to see flights departing on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and sometimes the days immediately following or preceding the holidays that are cheaper than departures a few days out, depending on how they fall during the week. If you’re booking a holiday trip, use your booking engine’s flexible dates option to see which days will save you the most money.

Spring Break

Spring break peak travel dates vary by destination but generally extend from late February through the beginning of April. Most colleges and universities have spring break in March or even late February; meanwhile, families with school-age children vacation around Easter, which is usually in late March or April. Watch out for higher fares to beach and family destinations like Florida and the Caribbean during this time. (See Top 25 Ways to Save on a Caribbean Vacation for more help.)

If you’re visiting a destination that attracts the college set, such as Cancun or Punta Cana , but you’re looking to avoid wet T-shirt contests and noisy parties, here’s a tip. Take a look at this list from STA Travel , which outlines the spring break dates for American colleges and universities each year. Avoid planning your beach vacation around those dates.

Summer is high season for numerous destinations, and fares are accordingly driven higher by demand. The crest of summer travel is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, during which fares to most U.S., Canadian, and European destinations are at their peak. Three-day weekends around summer holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July are particularly expensive times to fly.

If you can put off your trip until mid-September or go in May instead of June, you’ll likely pay less than you would over the summer (not only for airfares but also for hotels once you arrive).

There are some exceptions to this rule. Summer is low season for U.S. mountain towns, the Caribbean, parts of Mexico, Costa Rica, and many places in the Southern Hemisphere like Australia and New Zealand.

Thanksgiving

Peak Thanksgiving travel dates are predictable year after year, as the holiday always falls on the fourth Thursday of November. The period from Wednesday through Sunday around Thanksgiving wins the award for Busiest Travel Time of the Year.

So when’s the best time to depart for the big family feast? The busiest and most expensive days are the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself typically offers the cheapest possible fares; the day after is often a pretty good deal as well. As with Christmas and New Year’s, you’ll save by zigging when others zag; while everyone else plans to be back at work the Monday after Thanksgiving, you could save by extending your long weekend and flying home that day instead of Sunday.

The Best (and Cheapest) Days to Fly

So what is the cheapest day to fly? Read on to find out when travel demand tends to be lowest.

Winter/Low Season

Speaking of seasonality, here’s a hard, fast, and simple rule: The cheapest days to fly are low-season, non-holiday travel dates; this will vary based on your destination, largely because of weather. Because summer is the popular tourist season for an abundance of vacation spots, winter is a great time to seek out rock-bottom airfares. Look for amazingly cheap tickets to places that draw big crowds in summer, like Europe , Canada, and most U.S. destinations (except ski towns, Florida, and Hawaii). Excluding spring break and Thanksgiving, spring and autumn are also excellent occasions to find affordable shoulder-season fares to these destinations.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Unless you are the amazing Zoltar, it’s impossible to predict what the single cheapest day to fly will be. Even if you could gauge data from previous years to determine which day offered the lowest prices for your particular route, there’s no telling if the same pattern would happen the following year.

Travel experts generally agree on the cheapest travel days of the week. Fare tracker site Airfarewatchdog, SmarterTravel’s sister site, notes that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the two best days of the week to fly if you want to save some coin.

Thursdays and Saturdays

The next cheapest days of the week to fly are Thursday and Saturday. Saturday might sound like a popular—hence expensive—day to fly. But in truth, most travelers prefer to come back from vacation on Sunday to maximize their time away. The most popular days for business travelers, meanwhile, are Monday and Friday.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Ultimately, your best day to fly all depends on your route and your airline. I see plenty of airfare sales that restrict discounted dates to Tuesdays and Wednesdays only or Mondays through Thursdays. I’ve also seen international fare sales that tack on weekend surcharges and require a Saturday night stay. Airline, seasonality, current demand, and a barrage of other factors can completely overthrow the Tuesday/Wednesday rule of thumb … which brings me to my next point.

How to Do Your Own Flight Research

There’s that old saying about teaching a man to fish. I can give you scores of statistics, but you’re still going to want to know how to find the least expensive flights that work with your particular travel itinerary. Below are some useful resources to get you started.

SmarterTravel Tips and Advice for Finding Flights

To learn the basics, start with 10 Tips for Finding Cheap Airfare , which offers 10 tricks for grabbing the cheapest possible tickets available. It’s a must-read for flyers. Other useful stories include 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Flight and Want the Lowest Fare? Here’s When to Book . SmarterTravel has also put together a list of The 10 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare .

Airfarewatchdog for Fare Alerts

I love Airfarewatchdog because it does the work for you. Sign up for free fare alerts from your local gateway, and the site will send you email notifications when fares for your itinerary drop.

Predictive Services to Determine When to Book

When you search flights on Kayak.com , the site typically offers a prediction for whether you should buy or wait, along with a chart of recent fare trends for that itinerary. The site uses data to predict whether the fare is likely to rise or fall in the next seven days.

The Hopper app ( iOS | Android ) offers a similar predictive service, telling you to buy or wait once you enter your itinerary. It will alert you when the price drops and its prediction changes from “wait” to “buy.”

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Weekend Bag

More from smartertravel:.

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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The most expensive days to travel this summer

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High costs are keeping many Americans from summer vacation.

A recent Bankrate survey found that millions of Americans aren’t planning on using their vacation days because they can’t afford a trip. Choosing the right day to travel, however, can lighten the financial burden of summer travel substantially.

If you plan to pay for your trip with points and miles, you may find better award availability if you skip over summer holiday weekends and the busiest travel days. And even if you plan to pay in cash, choosing travel days wisely can help you reduce costs.

But which days will cost travelers the most this summer?

A recent report from Hipmunk notes that the Friday before each of the summer holidays (Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day weekend) is the most expensive day to fly by $100 or more. Also, departing on any Thursday during summer break is more expensive than departing on the least expensive day of the week , which is Tuesday. Flying on Tuesday will save you 7 percent vs. Thursday, the most expensive departure day, Hipmunk says.

Historically, the most expensive day to fly during the entire summer is the Monday during the third week of July, which falls on July 15 this year.

Hopper’s Consumer Airfare Index for May 2019 sheds even more light on this summer’s priciest travel dates. First, they predict that in May consumers would see a 6.8 percent increase in round-trip flight prices vs. April within the U.S. due to seasonal demand. On the flip side, they note that prices for airfare are still lower than they were two years ago.

More good news: While Hopper researchers also report that airfare prices should continue to rise in June, then start to fall from July through October.

Also be aware that where you travel can make a big difference in what you’ll pay — even if you wind up traveling during a very busy time. Hopper came up with a list of the top 10 domestic and international destinations to watch this summer for the best airfare deals. Consider these spots if you have some flexibility in your travel plans.

How to score a cheaper getaway this summer

While the prices above may be found online depending on your dates and departure city, Hopper notes that the best way to find the best pricing is by using their app , which it claims predicts airfare pricing up to one year in advance with 95 percent accuracy and could to lead to savings of up to 40 percent.

Here are some other ways to save on your summer getaway:

Save money on hotels

Kyle Valenta, executive editor for the hotel review site Oyster.com, says booking early is the best way to save on hotel stays. If it’s too late to book early, opt for early-week travel — as in Monday through Wednesday nights.

Also consider hotels that are slightly removed from your target destination, such as those just outside city centers or major tourist sites.

“If you’re seeking a beach, look a couple of miles inland for lower rates,” Valenta says. “If you’re visiting a national park, skip hotels that are in the towns that sit at the entrances to them and instead be willing to drive 20 to 30 minutes.”

Valenta also notes that hotels can be less pricey in June since school breaks haven’t universally hit across the country and hotel occupancy is generally a bit lower.

Consider off-peak travel days

No matter your travel plans, also remember that summer, which starts June 21, doesn’t officially end until Sept. 23, says Tracey Stewart, content editor for AirfareWatchDog.com.

“Fares tend to drop in the tail end of August and continue to do so into September,” Stewart says. “September is one of the best times to travel, as both fares and room rates are much cheaper, summer crowds begin to thin out and the weather is still warm.”

If you have some flexibility in your travel dates, keeping these trends in mind can help you save hundreds of dollars. But no matter what you do, taking the time to compare pricing across several groups of dates will always yield the best results. A travel discount website like Expedia or Priceline can make it easy to find the cheapest combinations of travel dates, but you can also search for the best airfare pricing on Google Flights .

Use credit card rewards

Finally, there’s a reason so many families lean on credit card rewards to fund all or part of their summer travels. Airline miles can help reduce the cost of flights down to just government-mandated taxes and fees, and hotel points can be used to stay entirely free around the world. Flexible travel credit from cards like the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard or Capital One Venture Rewards Card can also be used to cover any type of travel  without fear of blackout dates or capacity controls.

And if you don’t have any rewards to spend quite yet, don’t despair. Most travel credit cards offer a big signup bonus after you meet a minimum spending requirement within a few months. By signing up now, you can earn rewards on your summer travel and have some points to spend the next time around.

Learn more:

  • How to use credit cards to travel more
  • A staycation could be the budget-friendly vacation you need this summer
  • Tips to save on summer travel this year

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The Most Expensive Days to Travel in the Year

Traveling is something many people love to do. Sometimes you travel because you want to, and other times there may be a reason to travel that is necessary and unavoidable. If you're like most people, you've had the experience of planning a trip, for whatever reason, and you suddenly find out that the prices to travel seem out of this world. No matter what your reason for traveling is, you want to get the best deals so that you don't spend more than your budget allows. Sometimes planning way in advance is something you can do, while other times, there just isn't enough notice to allow for making travel arrangements you find yourself stuck in a travel price warfare where everywhere you turn, prices seem to only climb. Whether it is gas prices, hotel, or airfare, the cost of traveling is pricey, but did you know that there are certain days of the year that are more expensive than other days? Knowing ahead of time, what the most expensive travel days are, can help you better plan a more cost-friendly trip to save you money where you can. If you travel a lot, then you may be familiar with the times of the year that are pricier than the others. If not, here are the times of the year that will cost you more money and may want to try to avoid.

Spring Break - March and April

Spring break is the time of year that schools give their students a break from their classes and let them get out and enjoy the change of season and get a break in between winter and end of school. It is also one of the most popular times to travel, for families, as well as college students who want to get away and have a little fun with their buddies. Some of the most popular travel spots during the spring break holiday are the warmer, more tropical areas of the country, like Florida, especially for students living up north who are anxious to get a break from the snow. Hotels, car rentals, air fares, and even gas prices are known to take a jump during spring break because they know they are going to be needed resources for all the spring breakers looking to get out of town for a few days and enjoy a little sunshine.

Summer - Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July

This is probably a no brainer. Summer months are high travel months due to optimal weather conditions for hitting the roads, the skies and the sea. Travel booms in the summer. It's when families take most of their family vacations to the beaches, cruises hit their highest numbers in passenger loads, and airlines have their busiest flight schedules. Everyone wants to get out and get mobile during the warm, clear summer months. The weather is ideal for just about any type of trip, whether planned or unexpected and people take advantage of it. Although all months in the summer are popular for travel, there are a few times during these months that are even more popular and will cause a bump-up in travel expenses. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July. Memorial Day and Labor Day give you a three day weekend, making it easier for people with busy jobs, to get away for a long weekend to see family and friends, and celebrate two important days for our country. Over the Fourth of July you can expect to really see an increase in hotel rates and gas prices, even airfares. If you want to get better rates for these travel dates, it's always best to try to lock in rates on airfares, cruises or hotel rates as soon as you know you're going to be traveling out of town during those dates. As far as gas prices for road trips, there's not a whole lot you can do about that. Unfortunately you will be stuck paying whatever the gas prices are at the time.

Fridays in the summer for flying home to your family

Fridays during the summer are always a bit more expensive for airfare. Airlines know that Fridays are one of the most popular travel dates for both business travelers and vacationers who are just taking a weekend trip. It's the start of the weekend and out-of-town business meetings are usually over at the end of the week and employees are heading home. The average person who just wants a weekend away to visit friends or family, are also big Friday flyers during the summer, which is why airlines will bump up their fares on Fridays, all through the summer. If you know you're traveling on a Friday during the summer, the sooner you book your flight, the better the deal you can get. Otherwise, last minute tickets will surely cost you more, and sometimes it can be quite a bit more.

Christmas and New Year's

Although wintertime travel is slowed quite a bit for most of the winter months, of course the two times in the winter where you'll see higher prices for traveling, from hotels, to airfare, gas prices, even car rentals, is over Christmas and New Year's. Families get together for the holidays, and that means traveling to get together for some of the family. Plan ahead and lock in rates as soon as you know your dates, and you might be able to save quite a bit of money. Wait till the last minute, and you will be stuck paying the holiday rush prices.

Thanksgiving Wednesday before and Sunday after, most expensive day of the year to fly

It has been said for many years, that Thanksgiving is the heaviest traveled holiday during the year. It's the most popular family get together holiday, everyone celebrating family and loved ones. People will travel great distances over Thanksgiving to be with their loved ones, and this means that traveling in any form, is going to cost you more than any other time of year to travel. Airfare prices soar on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, when most people travel to get to their destination, and on the Sunday after, the day people travel home after the holiday. Gas prices are typically higher, all around the country, and hotels and car rentals are going to be above normal rates, especially in highly populated travel destinations. Book tickets and accommodations as early as possible to help ensure you get the best rates you can.

Anyone in the travel industry will tell you that knowing and planning ahead for traveling is one of the best ways to help keep travel costs down. It's not always possible to know and plan ahead, of course, but as soon as you do, is the time to make your reservations for your travel needs. Waiting till the very last minute at anytime, will cost you more in travel expenses, but you can most certainly count on higher costs if you wait to make arrangements during the highest travel times of the year.

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Written by  Maria McCutchen

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Ultimate Guide to the Best And Worst Days to Fly & Book Flights

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Ultimate Guide to the Best And Worst Days to Fly & Book Flights

Cash Tickets vs. Award Seats

Holidays and school breaks, large festivals and sporting events, shoulder seasons, the best days of the week to fly, the worst days of the week to fly, the rules don’t always apply, the best day of the week to book flights, help with researching prices, final thoughts.

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No matter where I am or who I am with, the conversation eventually turns to travel. It’s what I’m passionate about, it’s what I know the most about, and it’s what I do for a living. Travel is also something that most people would like to do more.

When talking with friends and relatives, or even with new acquaintances, certain questions come up again and again.

How do you travel so much? How do you travel for so little money? When is the best time to travel for less? How do I save money on flights?

The first two are easy to answer. I make travel a priority in my life and use miles and points to cover as much of the cost as possible.

When it comes to the last two questions, the answers get  a bit more complicated. That’s what we are going to take a look at today.

Below, we will go over the best and worst times of the year to fly, the best and worst days of the week to fly, and the best times to book your flights. By the end of this post, you should understand how to save a bit of money when booking your flights, so you have more to spend at your destination.

When we talk about saving on your flights, most people think only about cash tickets. This is, however, a site all about using points to travel, so we should probably talk about saving points, too.

Fortunately, most of the time, the two go hand in hand. The times of year and days of the week when you will find lower prices often match up with the days you are more likely to find low-level award seats.

Because of this, we will be using examples from both cash bookings and points bookings in our explanations below. We may show cash prices or award availability calendars, but when we talk about saving at certain times, we are generally talking about both.

The Worst Times of the Year to Fly

Chicago to Sydney United Award

You can probably guess the worst times of the year to fly. The best times to fly are the days with less demand for the seats, so that means the worst times of the year to fly are the times with the most demand.

These generally include the days around holidays or festivals (in the U.S. or at the destination), sporting events, and any time kids are out of school. Sometimes, holidays and time off from school line up. Those are typically the worst times to fly.

Of course, you may not always have a choice in when you travel. Maybe you have kids in school; perhaps you work at a school, maybe you only get holidays off from work.

If that’s the case, there are a few things you can try to make paying for your flights less painful. For example, try flying to less popular destinations. Instead of a beach trip in January, check out a city you’ve never seen before. You can also try varying your flight dates by a day or two. By taking an extra day off or giving up a day of your trip, you might be able to save significantly.

To help you know when you may need to try these techniques, below are some examples of the worst times of the year to fly, when you will almost definitely find higher airfares and fewer award seats.

Carnival/Mardi Gras

Significant celebrations in New Orleans , Rio de Janeiro, and many other Caribbean and Central and South American countries occur for Carnival and Mardi Gras. People travel from surrounding areas to celebrate before the beginning of Lent. Celebrations last up to two weeks or more before but typically are the biggest and most crowded the weekend and days before Ash Wednesday.

Oktoberfest

Although smaller festivals happen all over the world, Munich is the place where millions of visitors come together between the end of September and the beginning of October for this massive carnival/fair/beer drinking event. People come from all over the world, so expect higher fares during this time to Munich and surrounding cities.

Christmas markets

In Europe, the Christmas markets take place from the beginning of September up until the beginning of January, with dates varying depending on the location. Many Americans fly over for a long weekend just to go to the markets, so you can expect higher fares especially around the weekends during this season.

Every 2 years, alternating between Winter and Summer Games, the Olympics take place in a different country each time. If you plan to attend, your best bet is to get your flight as soon as possible (especially for award seats) or fly into a neighboring city and take a train or drive to the host city.

Every 4 years and in a different country each time, the World Cup is one of the most significant worldwide sporting events. It typically takes place from the middle of June to the middle of July with schedules varying slightly.

Qatar is hosting the 2022 World Cup, and due to the country’s climate, will take place from November to December. Expect fares to be elevated from a few days before the first games until a few days after the final, as fans fly from city to city and back to their homes.

Taking place on the first Sunday in February, the Super Bowl is one of the most significant sporting events in the United States. Hosted in a different city each year, you can expect significantly higher airfares to the host city for the few days before the game and away from the host city for the few days after the game.

World Series

Two cities host the World Series, those of the teams playing. Since no one knows what two cities those will be until the previous round of the playoffs is complete, airfares can shoot up quickly as soon as the final teams are confirmed. If you want to see your team, it might be in your best interest to speculatively book some refundable tickets before the final teams are known. If your team doesn’t make it, you can cancel and start hoping for next year.

The Best Times of the Year to Fly

Houston to Managua United Awards

Finding the best times of the year to fly is not just as simple as avoiding the dates listed above in the worst times of the year to fly. Sure, if you can do that, you will likely find lower prices, but we want to find the lowest prices. We want to look at the best times of the year to fly.

To find the lowest prices, we need to find the flights with the least amount of demand. Traveling to less popular locations and at less popular times of year is the best way to do so.

Of course, destination matters, too. We all want to see the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, but we don’t need a show-stopping attraction like that on every trip. Choosing less popular locations can save you a lot of money. You might be surprised how fantastic your trip will be.

Once you’ve picked a destination, it’s time to figure out when you should fly there.

Most destinations around the world have a high season and a low season. It’s easy to understand that the high season would be more popular and therefore have higher flight prices. The low season would be cheaper, but there is probably a reason it is the low season. Most often, that reason is the weather.

Hot Tip: What many people don’t realize is that in between the high and low seasons, there are what is known as the shoulder seasons. Times of the year where the prices aren’t as high as the high season, but the benefits of traveling in the high season are still mostly there. The weather may be a few degrees cooler on the beach, but it will still be plenty warm enough to enjoy.

The shoulder season is what you want to find. Flights will be cheaper, and the destination will still be a great place to visit. Shoulder seasons are not always obvious, but you can get a little help finding them in some locations.

Check local hotels, buses, and tour prices. Often, they will have different pricing listed for high season and low season. In the middle of those two, you will find the shoulder season. We would advise you to go right on the edge of when things are cheaper to get the best of the high season at low season pricing.

Taking a trip to Nicaragua in the fall, for example, can be a fantastic adventure. Within the span of a few weeks, you can scuba dive with hammerhead sharks, climb a volcano and go boarding back down, whitewater raft through canyons, and see monkeys in the forest. The best part? There are cheap flights , plenty of availability, and since it is a shoulder season in Nicaragua, everything at your destination will be less expensive, too.

DC to Chicago Summer

Similarly to the best times of year to fly, the best days of the week to fly are those with less demand. The fewer people who want to fly on a major route on a specific day, the lower your price will generally be.

For our best and worst days of the week, we will be concentrating primarily on domestic U.S. travel. International travel doesn’t tend to follow the same patterns in pricing. In fact, it is tough to find any pattern at all in international flight pricing.

Domestically, Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to fly, with Thursday coming in slightly more expensive. This makes sense if you think about it.

These are the three days in the middle of the week. Business travelers are usually coming and going at the beginning or end of the week. Leisure travelers are rarely looking forward to the middle of the week, so they can enjoy their days off. Not that many people have a reason to fly on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

Hot Tip: If you can move your plans around so that your flights are mid-week, you are likely to save a bunch on your tickets. The same goes for award seats. You are much more likely to find an award seat to New York City midweek on a Tuesday than at the start of the work week on a Monday.

DC to Boston Award

In a nutshell:

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the best days to fly domestically
  • Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are the days with the highest cost and lowest number of award seats.

There are two reasons for this, and both of them are relatively simple: business travel and vacations.

Domestically, business travelers who spend the week on location are either heading out on Sunday if they want to get a jump on the week or early Monday morning if they’re going to make the most of their weekend at home. Business travelers typically fly back to their home base at the end of the workweek on Friday, unless they need to work a full day on location and end up flying home Saturday.

Business travel is a huge part of domestic air travel, so you can understand why these travel patterns would lead to more demand and thus higher prices on these days of the week.

Vacationers, in a similar manner, most often take a full week of work off. If possible, they will sneak out and take a flight on Friday to take advantage of two full weekends at their destination. If they can’t do that, then Saturday is the next choice of day to fly to maximize vacation time.

On Sunday, it’s time to head home and get ready to go back to work on Monday.

Vacation travel sometimes extends to two or even three weeks, but most Americans take vacations in full week blocks, and they end up flying on these days. Again, more demand equals higher prices and fewer award seats.

DC to Rome Fall

Although this is the definitive guide, there aren’t any absolute rules. For every guideline, there are plenty of examples to contradict it.

In our days of the week sections, we only dealt with domestic flights. That is because those same guidelines don’t usually apply to international flights, as you can see in the pricing screenshot above.

Chicago to Denver Award

When it comes to awards, a route with either abundant seats or too few seats can throw the rules out the window as well. If you want to fly 6 people to Australia in business class, for example, it doesn’t matter what day of the week you go; it is going to be nearly impossible to find those award seats.

Other routes have so many flights that there will consistently be award seats available. Almost any day you consider, you will be able to get one or more people on those flights with miles, even on the toughest days to fly.

This is an outline of general rules and suggestions for finding cheaper airfare and more available award seats, so these suggestions will not work every single time you try to book a flight.

They will, however, help some of the time. If you can save money some of the time, that is far better than always paying a higher price.

Weekday Calendar

Over the years, there have been several answers to this question. People used to say Sunday night was the best time to book. Then it was widely reported that Tuesday was the day you would find the cheapest fares.

Some places have even argued that the best day for domestic flights is different than the best day for international flights.

Unfortunately, there is usually not a whole lot of data behind these reports. Sure, they will often point to a particular study or a survey or maybe even a well-known travel website, but if you look at the sources, the information they use is often not very convincing.

The first problem is that when media reports on this topic, it is always a big hit. Everyone wants to know the answer. Increased interest in booking on a particular day can influence pricing.

The second problem is that there will never be a single day of the week where all airfare is cheaper than usual. If there were such a day, nobody would ever book on other days of the week.

Airlines are continually adjusting airfares based on dates of travel, the popularity of the flights, and a variety of other factors. Each flight has several different fare buckets, and if one sells out, that price is gone. The airlines aren’t going to wait until Wednesday to change the price.

The same goes for lowering fares. It happens when the factors dictate it should happen. So if you are looking for a magic answer here, you aren’t going to find it. Sorry.

Bottom Line: The most accurate answer we can give you is this: the best day of the week to book your flight is the day that the price is lowest. Unfortunately, there are no consistent patterns, despite what you might have heard or read! 

Google Flights Price Tracking

A great way to find the lowest prices for flights to your destinations is to do a little bit of research ahead of time.

If you need to travel on specific dates, there isn’t too much you can do, but if you are flexible with your dates, looking at pricing history and setting up alerts can be quite helpful.

Google Flights is a great tool for looking at pricing. As you can see in some of the images we used above, you can see the pricing of flights for 2 full months at a time. This makes it quite easy to see which days of the week are going to be the best. It also can save you a lot of money by showing you that a day or two after or before your flight will be cheaper.

Hot Tip: Another helpful thing Google Flights does is allow you to track prices for specific flights. Once you have done a search and selected a particular flight, you will see a Track Prices button. Selecting this will save the flight, and you will get an email every time the price goes up or down. This is a great way to get an idea of pricing trends for a future trip.

In addition to Google Flights, services like Hopper and Kayak offer suggestions about whether it is the right time to buy a flight. They use past data to try to predict whether a flight price will rise or fall in the next week or so. Although these predictions won’t always be correct, they are data-based and can help with your confidence when booking flights.

As finding cheaper airfare is such a vast topic, this is by no means an exhaustive list of services and sites that you can use to research flights. There are plenty of others out there, and with a little digging, you may find one you like even better than what we have listed.

Sanoa Island Dominican Republic

Finding the best and worst days to fly is far from an exact science. There are so many factors affecting flight pricing that you will never find a definitive formula that can be applied every time you want to book a flight.

With that in mind, however, what we have outlined in this post should help you get a broad idea of certain times when it would be possible to save a bit of money on your flight prices.

You should also now have an idea of a few times of the year when you will have a better chance of finding the award seats you need.

With award seats, as with cash bookings, flexibility is critical. The ability to fly on a Tuesday instead of a Monday might mean that you can find the award seat you want. It could also mean you will save 25 percent if you pay for the flight with cash.

Flying in shoulder seasons or to less popular destinations gives you a much higher chance of lower prices and plenty of award seats.

Keep these suggestions in mind next time you are booking, but above all, make sure you are comfortable with the price you are paying. If you are happy with the price, book the flight. Worrying too much about saving 10 or 20 dollars will add unnecessary stress to your life, and that’s the exact opposite of what you are hoping to achieve with a vacation.

Bottom Line: Find a flight you like and a price you can afford, book your trip, and spend the rest of your time concentrating on the time at your destination. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach, hanging from a zip line, or stuffing yourself with street food, we hope that this post helps you save some money and makes your next trip a reality as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best days to fly.

Generally speaking, for domestic travel, Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to fly.

What are the worst day to fly?

Generally speaking, for domestic travel, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday tend to be the most expensive.

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About Jeff Brownson

Since discovering miles and points in 2010, Jeff has traveled to over 35 countries, flying in first class, business class, and sometimes even in coach. Whether he’s staying in a hostel dorm, or in a luxury suite at a 5 star hotel, Jeff is constantly looking for the best deal to make travel as close to free as possible.

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These Are the Cheapest Days to Fly This Summer

By Rachel Chang

Tropical beach at sunset and a flying plane. Travel to a seaside resort

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Americans are gearing up for the summer travel season in a big way. With airlines operating fewer flights than before the pandemic , average prices are higher than last year—and there’s only one way to lock in the best savings: book early.

“For travelers who have not planned their summer getaways, now is the time to book,” Expedia ’s U.S. head of public relations Christie Hudson says, adding that the company’s data shows that searches for summer flights are already up 10 percent compared to this time last year. 

When to book the summer flight deals

There are still ways to score decent deals, especially by honing in on periods when demand is lower.  According to Expedia data , late August is the cheapest period for flights this summer, when average ticket prices drop $125 compared to the priciest stretch in early July. Similar to  last year , that “mini shoulder season” comes just between the periods when families with school-age children take their vacations and Labor Day Weekend. 

Even more specifically, Sunday, August 27, which is the weekend before Labor Day Weekend , offers the lowest prices of the season, with August 24 being the quietest travel day. Meanwhile, for the second year in a row, July Fourth weekend is the most expensive time for air travel, with July 1—the Saturday before the holiday—as both the most expensive and busiest day to travel this summer. Average ticket prices for the four-day long holiday weekend are up 12 percent compared to the rest of July. 

With the sweet spot to book domestic airfare being about 21 to 60 days before travel—when travelers can save about eight percent—now is the time to cinch those deals for summer getaways. The timeline for international trips is slightly earlier, as Expedia says to book summer and early fall trips sooner than later to lock in the best prices. 

And for a super insider-y hack, the travel booking site analyzed billions of data points and discovered that booking your flights on a Sunday can save up to 15 percent on airfare. 

Americans are craving global travel

One of this summer's greatest travel trends is just how much interest in international travel has grown. Flight searches for destinations abroad rose 25 percent for June through August, compared to last year, illustrating the desire to travel globally.

But with that widespread desire comes inflated prices. “When it comes to airfare, travelers are seeing the biggest sticker shock for European city destinations like Rome and London,” Hudson says. 

In fact, Expedia’s top international destinations are a mix of sunny getaways and European urban hubs, with Cancun snagging the top spot, followed by London , Rome , Punta Cana , and Paris . The trending destinations, however, are all located in the Asia-Pacific, with Auckland at No. 1, followed by Hong Kong , Osaka , Da Nang , and Hanoi . In fact, Japanese cities are trending so highly that searches for Osaka went up 592 percent, Tokyo by 290 percent, and Kyoto by 265 percent.

That said, it is still possible to find international flight deals for under $600 per person roundtrip to a mix of cities in Canada , the Caribbean , and Mexico . According to Expedia's data, destinations with airfares that fall within that price range include: Vancouver, Cancun, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, San Jose del Cabo, Toronto, Calgary, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, and Nassau.

Domestic airfare as low as $215

The best summer deals are closer to home, with lower-than-normal flight prices to Orlando (from $215), San Diego (from $280), and Nashville ($245). There are plenty of big city options for under $400 roundtrip, as Expedia’s data lists New York as the top domestic deal, followed by Los Angeles, Orlando, Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago, Denver, San Juan, Dallas, and San Diego.

The company also suggests using technology to help track the best flight prices, which can be done with its Price Tracking and Prediction features. Not only does it alert you if it’s a strategic time to book, but it sends alerts when there are price changes. “I’m currently tracking flights to several places and just waiting for the right time to pull the trigger and book,” Hudson says.

She also reminds users to use the Integrated ChatGPT option through Expedia’s app, which allows for open-ended conversations to get recommendations, as well as practical tips.    

“Despite average flight ticket prices sitting higher than last summer, strong demand trends indicate travelers are ready to make the most out of their summer vacation,” Hudson says. 

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These Are the Busiest Travel Days of the Year, According to TSA

The holidays and holiday weekends often bring with them some of the most congested days at the country’s airports and on the roads..

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Long lines at TSA security screening checkpoint

The Tuesday and Wednesday just before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are often among the busiest travel days of the year.

Photo by Jim Lambert / Shutterstock

Every year, millions of people embark on journeys, whether for business or leisure. After a few years of much less crowded airports due to the pandemic, the International Air Transport Association is reporting that passenger numbers are just about what they were prepandemic levels.

However, there have already been a number of days that have surpassed prepandemic levels and they’ve largely fallen right before or after holidays.

Take Independence Day, for example. In 2023, AAA projected that 4.17 million people flew over the July Fourth holiday period, surpassing the previous air travel record of 3.91 million travelers, set in 2019. Similarly, TSA screened a record number of passengers on the Sunday following Thanksgiving in 2022, with more than 2.56 million passengers.

According to the TSA, the busiest travel days of the year are usually the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving . TSA recorded its highest passenger screening volume in its history on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2019, when nearly 2.9 million passengers passed through TSA checkpoints. But Thanksgiving and Christmas aren’t the only times we can expect busy airports. Here are the busiest travel day of the year.

Busiest travel days of the year

Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be the busiest travel days of the year, but other holidays like Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day also see some of the highest volumes of air passengers.

So far this year, daily passenger numbers have been growing each month. In all of 2022, only one day had more than 2.5 million air passengers in the United States: November 27 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving), with 2.560 million. As of August 20, 2023, there had already been more than 75 days in the calendar year that had surpassed 2.5 million air passengers, according to TSA checkpoint data .

These have been the five busiest travel days in the last full year:

  • July 30: 2.793 million passengers
  • July 28: 2.785 million passengers
  • July 23: 2.789 million passengers
  • June 30: 2.884 million passengers (the new record for the busiest air travel day ever in the United States)
  • June 16: 2.785 million passengers

For reference, the busiest travel day in all of 2019 was November 27, with 2.882 million passengers.

The busiest travel days around Christmas and New Year’s, historically

As for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the number of travelers is likely to ramp up during the end of December and into early January as well. In 2019, the highest number of travelers during the Christmas and New Year period was on Friday, December 17 (one week before Christmas), when 2.6 million travelers passed through TSA checkpoints. The second busiest day was Christmas Eve, with 2.58 million travelers, followed by the day after Christmas with 2.57 million travelers.

Decorated Christmas trees frame skyscraper in New York City

New York City consistently ranks as one of the top domestic travel destinations for the holidays.

Photo by Elias Andres Jose/Unsplash

Tips for flying during the busiest times of the year

There are a few ways to make travel easier and clear busy TSA checkpoints more quickly, this holiday season.

Get TSA PreCheck, Clear, and/or Global Entry

Never have these security expediting services been more valuable than during the current congestion happening at U.S. airports. TSA PreCheck recently reduced its prices from $85 to $78 for a five-year membership, and it’s only $70 to renew . Clear costs $189 per year. International travelers should consider the $100 Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, for expedited customs screening upon arrival in the United States—and there’s a secret way to speed up the application process .

Check to see if your airport has a fast-pass security lane you can book in advance—for free

No TSA PreCheck or Clear? Select U.S. airports are giving travelers the option to make an advance “fast pass” reservation to head to the front of the security line—free of charge. We’ve compiled the full list of airports that offer this service .

Consider traveling with carry-on only

For those who don’t want to risk their luggage getting lost during a busy travel time when airports remain understaffed, traveling with carry-on may be your best bet. Another alternative? Luggage-shipping services .

Know what you can bring through security

If you’re traveling with carry-on, know what you can and cannot pack in said carry-on. By now, you know you can only carry on liquids in containers 3.4 ounces or smaller, so be sure that holiday items such as gravy, cranberry sauce, or wine are either left behind or packed in a checked bag as they are considered liquids and could otherwise be confiscated (and create delays). Check AFAR’s in-depth guide to what foods you can bring through TSA to make sure that what you’ve packed in your carry-on can pass through security.

Thoroughly check your bags before leaving the house

TSA recommends that travelers fully empty their bags prior to packing to make sure that they don’t accidentally bring something to the airport that they didn’t intend to bring, which could cause further delays.

Monitor the weather

Check the weather and forecasts that are available on sites such as the National Weather Service , the Weather Channel , and AccuWeather so that you can be prepared for possible disruptions and establish back-up plans for delayed travel.

Get to the airport earlier than you’d think

The lines and wait times at the country’s airports (and abroad, too) are longer than they’ve been in years. Best to arrive early and have some extra time postsecurity than risk missing your flight waiting in an hours-long check-in or security line. Aim for at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three for international flights.

Know if and when you are due a refund because of a delayed or canceled flight

On September 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a new Aviation Consumer Protection website to help travelers track down what kind of refunds or compensation their airline should provide when there is a cancellation or delay.

Airlines aren’t required to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled due to problems deemed beyond the company’s control, like bad weather. They also aren’t required to provide a refund when the passenger initiates the cancellation or flight change. But a refund is required by U.S. law when the airline cancels, delays, or alters a flight, or passengers are involuntarily bumped from a flight that is oversold or due to issues originating from the airline, such as operational or staffing problems.

Additionally, after the federal government began cracking down on airlines this year, all of the major U.S. airlines vowed to provide meal vouchers for delays of more than three hours and to provide transfers and hotel stays to passengers affected by an overnight cancellation. They have all also agreed to rebook travelers on an alternate flight at no added cost due to a delay or cancellation and most will also rebook on a partner airline.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was most recently updated in August 2023 to include current information.

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16 Best (and Worst) Times To Book a Flight

Posted: June 15, 2023 | Last updated: June 15, 2023

<p> Few things feel as financially frivolous as shelling out the cash for a first-class plane ticket. After all, everyone is going to the same destination, and often flights just aren’t long enough to justify the expenditure. Well, if you happen to have one of the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/best-airline-credit-cards?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=4&synd_postid=6465&synd_backlink_title=best+airline+credit+cards&synd_backlink_position=3&synd_slug=best-airline-credit-cards">best airline credit cards</a>, you just might find yourself seated at the front of the plane free of charge.  </p> <p> That’s because upgrades to first class are a travel perk that can be awarded to those who use the airline’s credit card. You may also wind up with free WiFi along with the meal, free snacks, and drinks that are standard for first-class travelers. </p>

Air travel is expensive and more precarious than ever before, with cancellations, delays, staff shortages, and route mergers now the norm.

By knowing a few general rules and guidelines for how tickets are priced, along with the likelihood of being delayed at different times and days, you can spend less money on flights that are more likely to leave and arrive with no issues.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

<p> Mondays and Fridays are the most expensive days to fly because business travelers want to fly on work days so they can be home on weekends, so demand is higher for those days. </p>

Most expensive day to fly

Mondays and Fridays are the most expensive days to fly because business travelers want to fly on work days so they can be home on weekends, so demand is higher for those days.

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<p> Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest days to fly during the week, simply because there’s less demand on those days, especially for business travelers. Saturdays are the cheapest day of the weekend to fly, because business and leisure travelers all want to be at their destination on Saturdays and not leave it again until Sunday. </p>

Cheaper days to fly

Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest days to fly during the week, simply because there’s less demand on those days, especially for business travelers. 

Saturdays are the cheapest day of the weekend to fly because business and leisure travelers all want to be at their destination on Saturdays and not leave it again until Sunday.

Pro tip : Check out our top travel credit cards to maximize your rewards.

<p> The most expensive times to fly are in the middle of the day, from around 10 a.m. to around 7 p.m. Travelers do not want to have to wake up super-early and fight rush hour traffic to the airport, nor do they want to arrive late at night when they’re tired and hungry. </p><p class="">  <p class=""><a href="https://www.financebuzz.com/shopper-hacks-Costco-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=4&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=6+Genius+Hacks+All+Costco+Shoppers+Should+Know&synd_backlink_position=2&synd_slug=shopper-hacks-Costco-55mp">6 Genius Hacks All Costco Shoppers Should Know</a></p>  </p>

Most expensive time to fly

The most expensive times to fly are in the middle of the day, from around 10 a.m. to around 7 p.m. 

Travelers do not want to have to wake up super-early and fight rush hour traffic to the airport, nor do they want to arrive late at night when they’re tired and hungry.

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<p> Early-morning and late-night flights, plus red-eyes, are the cheapest flights because these flights are not in demand. Some travelers claim to love flying red-eyes because they can sleep during the flight and not waste daytime traveling. But this is not a majority opinion, so red-eyes are a cheaper choice. </p>

Cheaper times to fly

Early-morning and late-night flights, plus red-eyes, are the cheapest flights because these flights are not in demand. 

Some travelers claim to love flying red-eyes because they can sleep during the flight and not waste daytime traveling. But this is not a majority opinion, so red-eyes are a cheaper choice.

Pro tip: If you need to fly during more expensive times and days of the week then consider earning some extra cash to cover the difference.

<p> The most expensive times of the year to fly are holidays without a lot of wiggle room for scheduling of events. That means that Thanksgiving weekend is the single worst time to fly in the United States, followed by Super Bowl weekend.  </p> <p> The days right around Christmas and Easter week are horrible for domestic and international flights. Year-end holidays have the added complication of weather that may cause extra delays, cancellations, and equipment issues on top of the high demand. </p>

Most expensive times of year to fly

The most expensive times of the year to fly are holidays without a lot of wiggle room for scheduling of events. That means that Thanksgiving weekend is the single worst time to fly in the United States, followed by Super Bowl weekend.

The days right around Christmas and Easter week are horrible for domestic and international flights. Year-end holidays have the added complication of weather that may cause extra delays, cancellations, and equipment issues on top of the high demand.

<p>The “shoulder season,” in travel industry jargon, is the week or two between the switch from peak season to off-season. Shoulder season almost always corresponds to times that kids are starting or finishing school, which is a big reason demand is down then.  </p> <p> Working parents tend to schedule business trips for other times, and families can’t travel for leisure then. As a result, that decreases demand significantly bringing prices down. </p><p class=""><b>Pro-tip:</b> To get business trip perks and rewards, check out our list of the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/best-business-credit-card-for-travel?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=7&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=best+business+travel+credit+cards&synd_backlink_position=3&synd_slug=best-business-credit-card-for-travel">best business travel credit cards</a>.</p>

Cheapest time of year: Shoulder season

The “shoulder season,” in travel industry jargon, is the week or two between the switch from peak season to the off-season. Shoulder season almost always corresponds to times that kids are starting or finishing school, which is a big reason demand is down then.

Working parents tend to schedule business trips for other times, and families can’t travel for leisure then. As a result, that decreases demand significantly bringing prices down. 

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<p>The other cheapest time of year to fly is off-season, whatever the season is. It’s always cheaper to go to a ski resort, whether domestic or international, during the summer when there’s no snow. By the same token, it’s cheaper to go to beach locations when it’s warm and sunny everywhere else.</p><p>Destinations that rely on tourism to support the local economy have created other things to do during their off-seasons, so you can still have a great vacation by going when the crowds are staying home, and it’ll be a much cheaper great vacation.</p><p><b>Pro-tip:</b> You could save even more booking your overseas flights with one of the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/credit-cards-for-international-travel?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=8&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=best+credit+cards+for+international+travel&synd_backlink_position=4&synd_slug=credit-cards-for-international-travel">best credit cards for international travel</a>.</p>

Cheapest time of year: Off-season

The other cheapest time of year to fly is off-season, whatever the season is. It’s always cheaper to go to a ski resort, whether domestic or international, during the summer when there’s no snow. By the same token, it’s cheaper to go to beach locations when it’s warm and sunny everywhere else.

Destinations that rely on tourism to support the local economy have created other things to do during their off-seasons, so you can still have a great vacation by going when the crowds are staying home, and it’ll be a much cheaper great vacation.

<p> The worst day of the week for delays is Friday. Almost a third of scheduled flights going out on Fridays go out late. </p>

Most delayed day to fly

The worst day of the week for delays is Friday. Almost a third of scheduled flights going out on Fridays go out late. If you're already paying more to fly on the day you don't want to be delayed as well. 

Pro tip : You could save even more by booking your overseas flights with one of the best credit cards for international travel .

<p> Saturday flights tend to be on time, possibly because there are fewer travelers in general on Saturdays and fewer business travelers with intense needs and demands on that day. </p>

On-time days to fly

Saturday flights tend to be on time, possibly because there are fewer travelers in general on Saturdays and fewer business travelers with intense needs and demands on that day.

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<p> Flights scheduled for the evening around 6 p.m. is the time of day with the most delayed flights.  </p> <p> Any delays from earlier in the day have snowballed, and there are so many flights scheduled for this time of day that delays cause more delays on runways and gates that are often scheduled tightly for use. </p><p class="">  <p class=""><a href="https://financebuzz.com/top-no-interest-credit-cards?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=11&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=3+credit+cards+that+will+let+you+hit+pause+on+interest+until+nearly+2024&synd_backlink_position=5&synd_slug=top-no-interest-credit-cards">3 credit cards that will let you hit pause on interest until nearly 2024</a></p>  </p>

Most delayed time of day to fly

Flights scheduled for the evening around 6 p.m. is the time of day with the most delayed flights.

Any delays from earlier in the day have snowballed, and there are so many flights scheduled for this time of day that delays cause more delays on runways and gates that are often scheduled tightly for use.

<p> Flights that are scheduled to leave between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. are more likely to be on time than later flights are. </p>

Times of day to fly on a regular schedule

Flights that are scheduled to leave between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. are more likely to be on time than later flights are. If you're on a strict schedule then you may want to aim for a flight during the early hours. 

<p> The most delayed time of year to fly is when the weather is bad in any part of the airline system. This means that flying from Chicago to Paris is more likely to be delayed in January. That makes sense.  </p> <p> But so is flying from Dallas to Miami. Why? The equipment and staff for a flight can be stuck someplace in the system because of inclement weather anywhere in the system.  </p> <p> In general, winter in the location you’re flying from or to will be more likely to have delayed flights than summer will. </p> <p> It’s worth noting that some airports tend to have more delays all year long than others do. Jakarta and Newark are at the top of <span>the international and domestic lists of most delays</span>.</p>

Most delayed time of year to fly

The most delayed time of year to fly is when the weather is bad in any part of the airline system. This means that flying from Chicago to Paris is more likely to be delayed in January. That makes sense.

But so is flying from Dallas to Miami. Why? The equipment and staff for a flight can be stuck someplace in the system because of inclement weather anywhere in the system.

In general, winter in the location you’re flying from or to will be more likely to have delayed flights than summer will.

It’s worth noting that some airports tend to have more delays all year long than others do. Jakarta and Newark are at the top of  the international and domestic lists of most delays .

<p> The time of year with the most on-time flights is whenever it is clear and moderate in temperature in both your departure and arrival destinations and for the rest of the airports in your airline network. For domestic flights, that means May, June, September, and October. </p>

On-time times of year to fly

The time of year with the most on-time flights is whenever it is clear and moderate in temperature in both your departure and arrival destinations and for the rest of the airports in your airline network. 

For domestic flights, that means May, June, September, and October.

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<p> The worst overall time to fly in the U.S. has got to be Thanksgiving weekend. But other factors added to the holiday may increase delays: On routes that can be frozen or hit with a blizzard, the delays are compounded because the airport may be difficult for pilots and flight attendants to get to in inclement weather.  </p> <p> If your flight is at 6 p.m., you’ll probably wait. And if the airline you’re flying doesn’t have another flight on your route that day, you’ll wait.</p>

Worst overall time to fly in the U.S.

The worst overall time to fly in the U.S. has got to be Thanksgiving weekend. 

But other factors added to the holiday may increase delays: On routes that can be frozen or hit with a blizzard, the delays are compounded because the airport may be difficult for pilots and flight attendants to get to in inclement weather.

If your flight is at 6 p.m., you’ll probably wait. And if the airline you’re flying doesn’t have another flight on your route that day, you’ll wait.

<p>The worst overall time to fly internationally is any time the residents of the country you’re going to are on holiday or have other obligations (civic or religious), and weather can cause delays, cancellations, and equipment problems.</p><p>Many Americans try to fly to Europe in August, but the entire continent is on vacation during the month of August. For travelers, resources are stretched tight and that can affect flights, not to mention accommodations and activities at the destination.</p><p>The same is true of other times of the year such as Ramadan for primarily Muslim countries such as Indonesia, and hurricane season in August and September in the Caribbean.</p><p>If August is the only time you can go to Europe, Ramadan is the only time you can go to a Muslim country, and hurricane season is the only time you can go to the islands, make sure have a <a href="https://financebuzz.com/credit-cards-with-no-foreign-transaction-fees?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=16&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=credit+card+with+no+foreign+transaction+fees&synd_backlink_position=6&synd_slug=credit-cards-with-no-foreign-transaction-fees">credit card with no foreign transaction fees</a> in case banks and currency vendors aren’t fully staffed.</p>

Worst overall time to fly on international flights

The worst overall time to fly internationally is any time the residents of the country you’re going to are on holiday or have other obligations (civic or religious), and weather can cause delays, cancellations, and equipment problems.

Many Americans try to fly to Europe in August, but the entire continent is on vacation during the month of August. For travelers, resources are stretched tight and that can affect flights, not to mention accommodations and activities at the destination.

The same is true of other times of the year such as Ramadan for primarily Muslim countries such as Indonesia, and hurricane season in August and September in the Caribbean.

If August is the only time you can go to Europe, Ramadan is the only time you can go to a Muslim country, and hurricane season is the only time you can go to the islands, make sure to have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees in case banks and currency vendors aren’t fully staffed.

<p> And the best overall time to fly anywhere at any time of day is when you don’t have to be there at a specific time, so delays or cancellations don’t really affect you. And these days, airplane seats are in such demand that you may be able to take advantage of an airline’s offer to get a voucher or cash for giving up your seat. </p> <p> If you happen to end up on a day with clear, good weather that isn’t too hot, you won’t have to suffer through turbulence. Flying off-season can increase your chances of having smooth flights, as can avoiding local holidays and events. </p>

Best overall time to fly

And the best overall time to fly anywhere at any time of day is when you don’t have to be there at a specific time, so delays or cancellations don’t really affect you. 

And these days, airplane seats are in such demand that you may be able to take advantage of an airline’s offer to get a voucher or cash for giving up your seat.

If you happen to end up on a day with clear, good weather that isn’t too hot, you won’t have to suffer through turbulence. The flying off-season can increase your chances of having smooth flights, as can avoiding local holidays and events.

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<p> The best way to plan a trip involving air travel is to be flexible about when you can fly, build in enough time so that snafus don’t ruin your trip, and then consider buying your tickets on a Tuesday around six weeks out from the trip.  </p><p class="">  <p class="">Grow your travel fund with these <a href="https://financebuzz.com/bizarre-money-moves-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=6+Bizarre+Ways+To+Boost+Your+Bank+Account+ASAP&synd_backlink_position=7&synd_slug=bizarre-money-moves-55mp">6 Bizarre Ways To Boost Your Bank Account ASAP</a>.</p>  </p> <p> Flying airlines with more flights to your destination and a better record of making up for delayed and canceled flights will decrease the chance that you’ll be stuck without recourse or delayed longer than necessary. </p> <p> Also note that travel insurance can help you if you get sick, injured, or robbed on a trip because the insurance will pay to get you home ASAP. For a high-stakes trip or a trip far from home or with greater-than-normal potential for injury, consider springing for trip insurance.  </p> <p> The <a href="https://financebuzz.com/credit-cards-with-travel-insurance?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=best+credit+cards+for+travel+insurance&synd_backlink_position=8&synd_slug=credit-cards-with-travel-insurance">best credit cards for travel insurance</a> could also help you get out of a jam when you’re far from home. </p> <p>  <p class=""><b>More from FinanceBuzz:</b></p><ul> <li><a href="https://www.financebuzz.com/shopper-hacks-Costco-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=6+genius+hacks+Costco+shoppers+should+know&synd_backlink_position=9&synd_slug=shopper-hacks-Costco-55mp">6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.financebuzz.com/5k-a-month-moves-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=8+brilliant+moves+if+you+make+more+than+%245k%2Fmonth&synd_backlink_position=10&synd_slug=5k-a-month-moves-55mp">8 brilliant moves if you make more than $5k/month</a></li> <li><a href="https://financebuzz.com/recession-coming-55mp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=5+things+you+must+do+before+the+next+recession&synd_backlink_position=11&synd_slug=recession-coming-55mp">5 things you must do before the next recession</a></li> </ul>  </p> <p> <i>FinanceBuzz is reader-supported. We may receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about <a href="https://financebuzz.com/advertising-policy?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=how+we+make+money&synd_slug=advertising-policy">how we make money</a> and <a href="https://financebuzz.com/editorial-policy?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=18&synd_postid=7101&synd_backlink_title=our+editorial+policies&synd_slug=editorial-policy">our editorial policies</a>.</i> </p>

Bottom line

The best way to plan a trip involving air travel is to be flexible about when you can fly, build in enough time so that snafus don’t ruin your trip, and then consider buying your tickets on a Tuesday around six weeks out from the trip.

Flying airlines with more flights to your destination and a better record of making up for delayed and canceled flights will decrease the chance that you’ll be stuck without recourse or delayed longer than necessary.

Also note that travel insurance can help you if you get sick, injured, or robbed on a trip because the insurance will pay to get you home ASAP. 

For a high-stakes trip or a trip far from home or with greater-than-normal potential for injury, consider springing for trip insurance, or using one of the best credit cards for travel insurance to help you out if you get in a jam.

More from FinanceBuzz:

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  • 9 things you must do before the next recession.
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  • 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

We may receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies .

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Best Days & Times to Book Flights & Airline Tickets in 2024

Best Days to Book Flights

Contrary to popular belief, there is no best day to finding cheap flight deals . While many myths say Tuesday or Wednesday mornings are the best days, there is no evidence to support such claims. The good news is you can find cheap flight prices any day of the week. Read on to see where this myth may have originated plus other tips on scoring the best flight deals.

Table of Contents

The Best Days To Book Flights are Not Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Previously, airlines manually inputed new flight prices. That meant prices were actually cheaper after new prices were uploaded. That lead to the myth that Tuesday or Wednesday mornings were the best days to book. While you can find a great deal on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, there is nothing special about those times.

  • Airline prices are decided in realtime by complex algorithms.
  • Great prices are available every day of the week and at every time
  • You no longer have to wake up at the crack of dawn on Tuesday or Wednesday to search for flights.

The Best Time to Book Flights is Not Very Early in the Morning

The Tuesday and Wednesday myth also claims you must search very early in the morning. While great prices may exist at 4am or 5am, there is no truth to those times being special. Search for flights when you have time as opposed to sticking to a rigid schedule. That ensures you will not miss a great deal since a Friday night or Saturday afternoon may actually offer the best price for your flight.

The Best Days to Book Holiday Flights (Thanksgiving and Christmas)

The same rules apply to Thanksgiving and Christmas flights. While it may be harder to find great deals on holiday flights, it is possible. Search as far in advance as possible. You should book as soon as you find a price that is within your budget because there are only a limited number of holiday flights available. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are not special, so do not give those days any extra attention.

Read our complete guide on The Best and Worst Days to Fly for the Holidays more information. Additionally, our When to Book Thanksgiving Flights guide and When to Book Christmas Flights guide goes into further detail.

The Best Days of the Week to Fly

Best Days of The Week to Fly

Screenshot: Google Flights – Calendar view showing the best and worst days to fly.

While there is no best day to book flights, there are better days of the week to fly. Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days of the week to fly. Saturday is usually the cheapest weekend day to fly.

Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays are generally the most expensive days to fly. While business travel is still slow due to Covid-19, Mondays and Fridays are popular days for such travelers. Sundays are popular because that is the day many personal travelers fly home after their vacation.

If possible, schedule your trip to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for the best prices.

Further Reading: See our Best & Worst Days to Fly and our Best & Worst Times of Day to Fly guides.

The Best Websites to Book Cheap Flights

While many tools and websites exist to book cheap flights , some are better than others. Here are our picks. Also see our Worst Seats on a Plane guide and our Best Seats on a Plane guide to know which seats to avoid and how to avoid them.

Google Flights

We recommend starting and ending your flight search with Google Flights. It offers powerful filtering options and shows prices from just about every airline. It is an aggregator, so you book your flight directly with the airline as opposed to with Google. Its price alerts feature allows you to track prices for a particular date so you know exactly when to book. Its calendar view allows you to see the cheapest days for your flight, so you can quickly see fare differences for entire months.

See our complete guides on Using Google Flights to Find Cheap Flight Deals and Google Flights Now Shows When The Best Time is to Book Flights

Directly With The Airline

You can also search for prices directly on the airline’s website. This is especially important when booking Southwest Airlines flights since it does not appear on Google Flights and other aggregators. For other airlines, we recommend just using Google Flights since it shows the lowest prices from a variety of airlines at once.

Further Reading: What to Do if Your Airline Cancels or Delays Your Flight and How to Avoid Airline Flight Delays & Cancellations .

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Popular OTAs include Expedia , Travelocity , and Orbitz . With an OTA, you book directly with the OTA as opposed to the airline. In some cases, OTAs may offer cheaper flight prices, but there are drawbacks. If you need to change or cancel your flight, you must contact the OTA instead of the airline. While major OTAs usually have good customer service, they are essentially a middleman between you and the airline. Additionally, OTAs may prevent you from taking advantage of the 24-Hour Cancellation Rule.

Aggregators

Popular flight aggregators include Google Flights (see our full Google Flights guide ), Skyscanner (see our full Skyscanner guide ), and Kayak (see our full Kayak guide ). Aggregators show flight prices from airlines and/or OTAs. With aggregators, you do not book directly on the aggregator’s website. Instead, you will book with the airline directly or with the OTA.

Take Advantage of The 24-Hour Cancellation Rule

We recommend immediately booking a cheap flight when you see it. Prices change regularly, so the great price you find may not last long. That means do not wait until Tuesday or Wednesday if you find a great deal on a Saturday. Remember, there is no best day to book flights, and the best price may be available when you least expect it.

The 24-hour flight cancellation rule allows you to book with confidence. This rule allows you to cancel non-refundable flights within 24 hours of booking that are arriving to or departing from a United States airport. The flight must be booked seven or more days before departure.

There is no best day to book cheap flights. Common myths claim Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to book flights, but there is no truth to such claims. Buy your airline tickets when you see a price that works for you.

There is nothing special about booking flights on Tuesday mornings. While Tuesday may have cheap flight prices, it is not more likely to have the best deals than other days.

The same rule applies to holiday flights. There is no best day to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights. Great deals are available every day of the week.

There is no best time to book flights. You can find low prices any hour of the day, so do not limit yourself to a specific time.

Generally, the best days of the week to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Great flight prices are available every day of the week, so do not focus on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. You should also book a cheap flight right when you see it. The 24-hour cancellation rule allows you 24 hours to cancel it, so you will not be locked in. As always, start your flight search with Google Flights. Consider using an airline credit card to get the best price on airfare as well as seat upgrades and other benefits. After booking, read our how to get through TSA airport security faster guide. For specific summer information, see our how to find cheap summer flights guide.

Editorial Disclosure:   Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.  

Phil Dengler The Vacationer Bio

By Phil Dengler

In addition to being a co-founder of The Vacationer, Phil Dengler is also the head of editorial and marketing. Previously, he ran a popular holiday deals website where he was a trusted source for all things Black Friday. With The Vacationer, Phil combines his knowledge of deals with his love of travel to help you plan the perfect vacation.

Best Websites to Book Cheap Flight Deals

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How to Find Cheap Flight Deals

How to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere in the World in 2024

How to Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights

How to Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights in 2024

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The Best Days to Fly Around the Fourth of July in 2024

Sally French

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The best and worst days to fly July Fourth weekend

The smarter, cheaper fourth of july travel itinerary, what about driving on july fourth.

Making Fourth of July travel predictions is tricky this year because the holiday falls midweek, on a Thursday. Some folks may take Monday off to enjoy a long weekend, while others may save their vacation time for a different holiday.

With that in mind, here’s some guidance around booking July Fourth weekend air travel in 2024 and how you might be able to avoid the crowds (and potentially save money on airfare ).

Video preview image

TSA collects data daily to capture the number of passengers screened at its U.S. checkpoints. NerdWallet analyzed the 2019-2022 air travel data for the seven days before and after July Fourth.

In each of the analyzed years, the Friday before July Fourth was the busiest travel day ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

Are airports busy on July Fourth? The data shows the holiday is the least busy day to fly, with airport crowds averaging just 81% of what they are relative to the busiest travel day. The FAA's predictions show the same.

Based on an average of the analyzed years, here are the worst days to travel around July Fourth weekend, ranked from most to least crowded.

Pre-holiday:

Friday before.

Thursday before.

Monday before.

Post-holiday:

Sunday after.

Monday after.

Thursday after.

Instead, consider these options. Here’s what the data showed as the best days to travel over July Fourth, ranked from least to most crowded:

Saturday before.

Tuesday before.

Sunday before.

Saturday after.

Friday after.

Wednesday after.

Based on recent historical trends, most people will kick off their Fourth of July weekend as early as possible, jetting off on the Friday before — or even ducking out of the workweek early by departing on the Thursday prior. Most travelers will likely maximize their weekends, waiting until the Sunday after the holiday to fly home.

But following typical July Fourth holiday travel patterns could mean costs in terms of airfare and time spent waiting in line at the airport. Deviate from that schedule to find lighter crowds and perhaps better July Fourth flight deals, too.

Try these travel days instead:

Embrace Saturday travel: Rather than rush out from work on Friday afternoon to jump on a flight, relax at home that evening and depart Saturday morning instead. Simply shifting your trip by one day could likely result in going from one of the busiest to lightest travel days of the July Fourth travel period.

The same goes for traveling back home. While it can be tempting to extend your trip as long as possible before work starts on Monday, skip the Sunday flight and fly home on Saturday instead. Bonus: You’ll give yourself a day at home to rest and recover before you hit the next workweek (how responsible of you).

Fly on July Fourth: If you don’t mind traveling on the holiday, you’re looking at the single emptiest air travel day of the period analyzed.

Do one better by flying out early on the holiday. Travel booking app Hopper’s spring 2023 Flight Disruption Outlook found that flights that depart from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. are half as likely to be delayed versus flights with scheduled departure times after 9 a.m.

Plus, a morning flight improves your odds of catching the fireworks at your final destination.

Fly on July 5: Will July 5 be a busy travel day in 2024? Likely yes. This year, July 5 falls on a Friday, one of the most expensive days to fly year-round.

July Fourth travelers in 2024 should feel leery that their flight itinerary will cost them in terms of price and airport queue congestion.

While airports will be packed, the roads won't be much better. According to AAA 2023 projections, an estimated 43.2 million people will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.4% over 2022 and 4% higher than 2019 — and thus setting a record for the number of Americans traveling by car for the holiday.

The uptick in drivers might have something to do with gas prices. For the 2023 holiday, the national average for a gallon of regular gas has been more than $1 less over the past couple months than what it was on July 4, 2022, according to AAA.

If you are driving and are seeking to save money on gas , use gas price apps and pay with a gas credit card so you earn bonus points at gas stations.

If you're driving a car that you expect to book from a rental car agency, be prepared to pay up. The average cost of a car rental today is significantly higher than the same month in 2019 pre-pandemic, according to NerdWallet's travel price tracker , which is based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Boats and buses will be just as busy. AAA expected 3.36 million people will travel by bus, cruise, or train over the long weekend in 2023, which was 24% more than folks who used those transit methods last year.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

most expensive travel days

These are the best (and worst) days to fly for spring break in 2024

Tarah Chieffi

We all deserve a getaway after surviving the cold, wintry weather much of the country has been dealing with for the past few months. Even if you live somewhere that doesn't see cold temperatures, spring break is the perfect time to get out and explore the world. After all, there is only so much time to maximize your annual PTO days or take advantage of school breaks.

Related: These are the 15 best places to visit for spring break this year

If you want to save money on spring break travel this year, you've come to the right place. TPG pulled together data from top travel booking sites, including Expedia and Hopper , to determine the best and worst days to fly this spring break.

Let's dive in.

How far in advance should you book spring break travel?

most expensive travel days

Hopper recommends booking flights one to two months in advance if you plan to visit a spring break destination in the U.S. That means you should be booking March flights now and April flights between now and mid-March to get the best prices.

If you are traveling internationally, the time to book is now. It's not too late to get a good deal, but you generally want to purchase flight tickets at least one month before you plan to travel .

Don't fret if you haven't booked your flights yet, though. As long as you don't wait until the last minute, you can still save money, and we have plenty more tips to save you cash.

What are the best days to fly for spring break?

most expensive travel days

Generally, you can save money by flying midweek versus flying over the weekend.

According to Expedia's data, departing on a Tuesday instead of during the weekend can save you around 15% on flight prices. It's probably not a coincidence that Tuesday is also the least busy day at the airport based on Expedia's historical flight data.

This is especially true if you are planning a weeklong trip. Hopper's data shows that traveling from Tuesday to Tuesday or even Wednesday to Wednesday is 29% to 38% cheaper than departing and returning on busier weekend dates.

For example, you can save up to $150 per ticket on average on a 7-day domestic trip, leaving and returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday. That savings can be as high as $169 per ticket for flights to Mexico, according to Hopper's data.

If your dates are flexible, Expedia shows the week of March 5 is the cheapest time to fly internationally, with the week of April 23 being the cheapest time to fly domestically this spring.

What are the worst days to fly for spring break?

most expensive travel days

School and work schedules may not give you total freedom to choose exactly when you fly, but you may be able to at least avoid the busiest travel days.

It's probably no surprise that Friday is typically the busiest and most expensive day to fly. You can usually find significant savings by avoiding booking your flight on a Friday.

When looking at specific weeks, Expedia's data shows the week of April 2nd is the most expensive week for domestic flights, and the week of March 12 is the most expensive if you plan to fly internationally.

Bottom line

As with everything in life, your mileage may vary. These aren't hard and fast rules, but these tips on the best and worst days to fly typically ring true. That doesn't mean you can't find good prices on days that are busier or more expensive, but they may be harder to come by. And if you want to dive in even deeper on the best time to book your flights, check out our in-depth piece here.

Related reading:

  • Best spring break cruises for college students and families
  • 11 strategies to find cheap airfare
  • 5 last-minute spring break getaways you can book with points and miles
  • 15 best spring break getaways in the US
  • 6 key tools and tips to find the cheapest airfare
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  • Luxury Travel

22 of the Most Expensive Vacations You Can Take

most expensive travel days

When money is no object, the entire world becomes a destination. Whether you’ve recently won the Powerball, inherited a fortune, or just started feeling a hole burning in your pocket, there are endless reasons to start researching a (gilded) bucket list trip.

The Pikaia Lodge in Ecuador

Pay homage to evolution with a stay on Darwin’s favorite archipelago, the Galapagos. The Pikaia Lodge was “designed for the environmentally conscious, physically active and adventurous traveler,” and is centrally located to allow easy access to all of the islands.

Guests can dine at the lodge’s restaurant on the edge of a crater or wander around the facilities and come face-to-face with a giant tortoise. A week's stay in the lodge’s pool suite starts at $10,205 per person.

North Island in Seychelles

Vacation like George and Amal Clooney at this private island resort. There are only 11 villas, ensuring that it’s possible to get far, far away from the rest of the world. The Villa North Island is the most exclusive at the resort, available at about $11,000 per night. Within the villa’s 8,000 square feet there’s a series of wooden decks, a coconut grove, and even a private entrance to a secluded beach. And for what it’s worth: Rumor has it that Will and Kate honeymooned here, too.

The Post House at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California

The wealthy clientele who stay at the Post Ranch Inn generally do so to escape the rest of the world while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean. The luxury resort’s most expensive accommodation takes these wishes up to the next level, with an added dash of coziness. Guests at the Post House have unparalleled views of the ocean, whether that’s through the floor-to-ceiling windows from their beds or across the horizon from their private jacuzzis. The room is available for $4,350 per night.

Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge in Rwanda

The newly opened Bisate Lodge sits directly next to Rwanda’s Volcano National Park. The secluded location only has six villas, all designed to resemble the palaces of traditional Rwandan monarchs, featuring a central fireplace and decks overlooking the nearby volcanoes. Guests can opt to help in the lodge’s reforestation project and contribute to conservation efforts for Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Rooms start at $1,100 per person per night.

White Desert “Greatest Trip” to Antarctica

For those who want an ultimate luxury vacation but don’t have much time to spend, White Desert offers a one-day trip to Antarctica. Starting off from Cape Town, guests board a Gulfstream Private Jet and set off for the icy continent. Travelers have about eight hours to explore, ending in a gourmet champagne dinner. The entire trip lasts less than 24 hours but will set you back $195,000.

Tierra Patagonia in Chile

The reason to travel to Tierra Patagonia is clear. Its large, spacious windows frame an unobstructed view of the mountains in Torres del Paine National Park. The “luxury adventure” hotel encourages guests to cozy up on the couch with a glass of Chilean wine to enjoy the view after a day of hiking. The hotel’s all-inclusive suite starts at $3,400 per person per night for a double occupancy.

The Hilltop Villa at Laucala Island Resort in Fiji

High atop Fiji’s Laucala Island, there’s a $44,000-per-night villa where guests can experience the ultimate in secluded luxury. The villa sits far away from the rest of civilization and it’s only accessible via private road on an already private island. However, even the uber-wealthy might not be able to get in here: A reservation requires approval by the island’s owner.

The Penthouse Apartment at the Hotel Georges V in Paris, France

One of Paris’s most famous luxury hotels is home to one of the city’s most iconic views. From the private balcony of the penthouse apartment at the Hotel Georges V, there’s an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine — ideal for photo shoots or romantic gestures. Inside the hotel suite, there’s a flurry of luxe features, including a marble infinity bathtub. The room starts at about $26,500 per night.

Necker Island

Vacation like Richard Branson and Barack Obama on Necker Island. The private island in the British Virgin Islands has a variety of wildlife and will set guests up with scuba, waterskiing or sailing gear to go explore it all. It’s available from $80,000 per night for up to 34 guests — or, you know, just you and the former president of the United States of America.

Villa Manzu in Costa Rica

This estate spread across five acres of isolated peninsula into the Pacific Ocean. There are only eight suites on the entire property, ensuring serenity. Guests also have access to the villa’s wine room, stocked with sommelier-chosen bottles and award-winning cigars. And for those who care about celeb standards: earlier this year the Kardashian clan stayed at the lodge for their Costa Rican vacation. It’s available to rent starting at $16,500 per night.

Africa House at The Royal Malewane at Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa

Glampers on safari can elect to stay at this air-conditioned house, complete with four-poster beds in all six rooms. After a day of tracking down the Big Five with a private game ranger and tracker, guests can have a meal cooked by their private chef or head to the resort’s spa for a massage. Accommodations start at about $15,000 per night for up to eight guests — although it’s also possible to rent out the entire resort for $51,000 per night.

Fogo Island Inn in Canada

It’s not cheap to reach the end of the world. Travelers who want to reach this boutique hotel at the end of the world (a remote island in Newfoundland, Canada) can either go on a timely journey or charter a helicopter ride in. Once they’ve arrived, guests can join a sponsorship program where they’re matched with locals to understand the area’s culture or instead relax in one of the hotel’s rooftop hot tubs. Fogo Island Inn’s most exclusive lodging, called the Flat Earth suite, only reveals its price upon request — although it’s rumored to be somewhere in the $3,100 per night range.

Chalet Zermatt Peak in Zermatt, Switzerland

After hitting the slopes, wealthy skiers can escape to this luxury five-star chalet with 13 friends. It comes equipped with a Michelin-starred gourmet chef, ready to whip up apres-ski treats, and two in-house massages per day. A weeklong stay at the chalet starts at about $57,000 but can reach up to $191,000, depending on the season.

Sail an Omani Dhow at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman

Set sail on a restored Omani Dhow , a sailboat reminiscent of the golden age of Arabian voyages. Guests board the ship from the Six Senses Zighy Bay and set sail through the Musandam fjords, stopping in secluded fishing villages and private bays. It’s possible to book a spa therapist, cooking classes with the chef or dives in the bay aboard the Dhahab . It costs $22,000 for a three-day, two-night itinerary on the boat.

Maharajah’s Pavilion at Raj Palace in Jaipur, India

This extravagant four-floor apartment has its own private entrance and private elevator, which guests can ride all the way to the top. On the last floor, there’s a rooftop terrace, complete with a jacuzzi and panoramic views of Jaipur. And to really feel like a king, there’s a private museum on the second floor displaying the Old Throne and Bolsters of the Thakur Sahib. The palatial suite is available from $15,000 per night.

Royal Penthouse Suite at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva

This exclusive hotel suite is often acknowledged as the most expensive in the world and the biggest in Europe. For $80,000 per night, guests have access to 12 rooms and over 5,500 square feet of space. However the crowning feature of the suite is the wraparound terrace with views of the Alps over Lac Leman.

Presidential Suite at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, Italy

The ultimate in Italian opulence is perhaps best personified by the presidential suite at the Hotel Principe di Savoia. The suite comes complete with chandeliers, velvet furniture and even an iconic in-suite swimming pool. It’s available from $20,000 per night.

Alang Alang Chateau in Cannes, France

For those who would rather not deal with hotels, this “Balinese retreat” in Cannes is a luxurious escape for up to 15 of your closest friends. The villa comes with its own picturesque pool and staff, but perhaps the most memorable feature is the dinosaur skull displayed in the living room. The property’s available starting at about $41,000 per night.

The Royal Suite at the Burj al Arab in Dubai

The Burj al Arab is often referred to as the world’s most expensive hotel. Those who want to stay in the most expensive room at the world’s most expensive hotel should reserve one of the Royal Suites on the 25th floor. The suite has two master bedrooms, each with their own jacuzzi. The entryway is decked out in marble and gold and a grand staircase leads to the suite’s upper level. You can book it starting at $9,000 per night.

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

The Trans-Siberian railway is one of the most storied train lines in history. Golden Eagle’s luxury journey traverses the iconic Russian tracks in glamour. Accommodations onboard the train rival a hotel, with heated floors in the bathroom, laundry service and a plush bar car, complete with a resident pianist on the baby grand. Prices for the 15-day journey start at $30,995 for the Imperial Suite.

Suite 5000 at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City

You won’t find any information about the Suite 5000 on the Mandarin Oriental’s website. It’s only available to those in the know. Located on the hotel’s 50th floor, a night in the suite is almost like staying in a sleek, expertly-curated museum of New York culture. The walls are lined with an exhibition of New York City-inspired art and the living room is stocked with records that follow the city’s music scene back to the 1930s. Rumor has it the suite starts at $36,000 per night.

Two Story Sky Villa at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas

Perched above the chaos of the Las Vegas strip, wealthy travelers can relax in the cantilevered pool that extends out over the balcony at the Palms Casino Resort. All 9,000 square feet of the Sky Villa are a study in swanky sexy — right down to the round bed with matching mirror on the ceiling. The suite will set visitors back at least $20,000 per night.

most expensive travel days

We all love a good travel deal, so avoid these two days.

There are two days of the year that are the absolute most expensive days of the year, according to the CEO of FareCompare ― November 22nd and November 26th. Understandably, that’s the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

If that’s not bad enough, these expensive flying days get pricier by the day to the tune of 50 to 75 cents a day ― that’s $1.50 more in September and $2.50 more by October.

As much as you may not want to, you better hurry to book your trip to visit your in-laws now, as procrastinators can pay an extra $200 or more for their trip! Yikes!

And if visiting the in-laws isn’t in the cards this year, consider traveling to international hotspots like Portugal , which boasts sunny beaches, medieval castles, wine country and port towns. And the best part yet? It’s completely affordable. We’re starting to think Portugal may be the new Iceland!

This post was originally published on AOL.com.

Before You Go

These packing cubes.

Travel Gifts For People Who Love To Travel

From our partner, huffpost shopping’s best finds, more in life.

most expensive travel days

  • Travel Planning Guide

Europe Travel Cost Rankings

  • Travel Budgets
  • Country Travel Cost Rankings
  • Cheapest Cities
  • Country Budget Comparisons

What are the cheapest and most expensive countries to visit in Europe?

The following travel cost rankings for countries in Europe are calculated based on the travel budgets of real travelers. Also referred to as a Travel Cost Index , or a Backpacker Index , the countries below are in order from most to least expensive by their average daily travel price, per person, per day

  • 1 Switzerland € 265.83
  • 2 France € 233.21
  • 3 Liechtenstein € 231.54
  • 4 Monaco € 210.99
  • 5 Iceland € 191.82
  • 6 Luxembourg € 183.97
  • 7 United Kingdom € 178.85
  • 8 Denmark € 178.73
  • 9 Netherlands € 175.49
  • 10 Italy € 166.54
  • 11 Andorra € 164.38
  • 12 Finland € 157.09
  • 13 Greece € 155.21
  • 14 Germany € 151.52
  • 15 Austria € 150.91
  • 16 Spain € 150.06
  • 17 Ireland € 142.95
  • 18 Belgium € 142.20
  • 19 Portugal € 136.31
  • 20 Sweden € 130.30
  • 21 Slovakia € 126.32
  • 22 Turkey € 122.34
  • 23 Malta € 117.43
  • 24 Latvia € 113.66
  • 25 Norway € 109.77
  • 26 Montenegro € 104.13
  • 27 Cyprus € 103.44
  • 28 Estonia € 101.94
  • 29 Czech Republic € 101.50
  • 30 Croatia € 96.46
  • 31 Slovenia € 93.30
  • 32 Lithuania € 91.97
  • 33 Romania € 77.00
  • 34 Hungary € 76.01
  • 35 Albania € 72.58
  • 36 Bosnia and Herzegowina € 68.45
  • 37 Bulgaria € 64.06
  • 38 Belarus € 61.59
  • 39 Russia € 60.22
  • 40 Poland € 59.53
  • 41 Serbia € 36.53
  • 42 Georgia € 30.07
  • 43 Armenia € 26.12
  • 44 Ukraine € 23.00
  • 45 Azerbaijan € 0.00

The Cheapest Cities for Other Regions

Country rankings for other regions, what are the cheapest countries to visit in europe.

The least expensive countries for travel in Europe are currently Azerbaijan (€0.00), Ukraine (€23.00), Armenia (€26.12), Georgia (€30.07), Serbia (€36.53), Poland (€59.53), Russia (€60.22), Belarus (€61.59), Bulgaria (€64.06), and Bosnia and Herzegowina (€68.45).

What are the most expensive countries to visit in Europe?

The most expensive countries for travel in Europe are currently Switzerland (€265.83), France (€233.21), Liechtenstein (€231.54), Monaco (€210.99), Iceland (€191.82), Luxembourg (€183.97), United Kingdom (€178.85), Denmark (€178.73), Netherlands (€175.49), and Italy (€166.54).

Affordable Travel in Europe

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By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

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Most expensive and cheapest days to fly from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane this Easter

If you were planning on flying from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane on these dates, you may want to reconsider your plans.

Chantelle Francis

I flew Emirates first class for just $600

‘Do better’: Jetstar’s huge turnaround

‘Do better’: Jetstar’s huge turnaround

Truth on tiny detail above plane window

Truth on tiny detail above plane window

If you were planning on booking a flight from Melbourne on March 25 or Sydney and Brisbane on March 28, you may want to consider another date.

Compare the Market has crunched the numbers and found what days will the cheapest and most expensive to fly this Easter.

According to its analysis of single one-way ticket prices on Skyscanner, the most expensive deals out of Melbourne (any of its three airports) will be to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra on March 25, and Hobart and Cairns on March 28.

Melburnians flying to Darwin may want to avoid March 26.

For those flying out of Sydney, March 28 appears to be the most expensive day on average to fly to Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Cairns, while travellers to Brisbane should watch out for March 13 and travellers to Melbourne may want to reconsider March 21.

Sydney to Hobart deals were most expensive on March 29 and Sydney to Canberra was March 17.

Not only will prices for flights skyrocket from March 25 to 28, domestic terminals being packed to the brim. Picture: David Crosling

Aussies flying from Brisbane should also consider avoiding March 28 if they are flying to Hobart, Adelaide, Perth or Cairns.

Flights from the Queensland capital to Sydney or Canberra were most expensive on April 1 and flights to Melbourne were the most pricey March 22. For Darwin-bound flights it was March 18.

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said not only was it most expensive to fly between March 25 and 28 in the lead up to Easter, domestic airport terminals are expected to be at their busiest.

“While Easter is a time that people enjoy spending with their loved ones, it also means there’s increased demand for flights, which is why we see these inflated prices around this period,” he said.

“To make matters worse, it also increases foot traffic at our terminals, which means it can take longer to get through security, check-in baggage and get to your flight on time.

“It’s vital that anyone travelling gives themselves enough time and ensures they’re covered with appropriate travel insurance, even for a domestic trip.”

The cheapest flights are between March 18 and 22 before Easter, and between April 4 to 12. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

In the week leading up to Easter, Mr Ford said their research found flight prices could jump hundreds of dollars.

“There are some significant differences in prices between travelling during the peak Easter period and off-peak times,” he said.

“The exact dollar difference is going to depend, but our research found that there was a $280 difference for someone flying to Adelaide from Brisbane, more than a $250 difference flying between Sydney and Darwin and a whopping $338 if flying to Cairns from Melbourne, at different times.

“Our key message is to get in as early as possible and do your research. There are many tools and comparisons available online that allow you to search for the best deals. But, with so many people snapping up tickets, you need to get in quick if you see a deal.”

Mr Ford said travellers may be able to some cash by opting for an early morning flight or travelling with an airline they may not usually fly with.

Aussie TV presenter and Compare the Market’s travel expert, Catriona Rowntree, warned people to be prepared for the unexpected.

“I have loved ones who had booked a trip to New Zealand and have just learned their flights have been delayed a whole day. It’s completely thrown out their plans,” she said. “If that happens to you, be the squeaky wheel that gets the oil!

“Airports are stressful at this time of the year. Remember that to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late and to be late is ‘holy cow we’ve missed the plane.’”

Cheapest days to fly this Easter

The cheapest single one-way fares without baggage from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Australia’s major cities are available between March 18 and 22 before Easter, and between April 4 to 12.

Compare the Market found the cheapest Melbourne to Sydney flights were on April 3 and 9 from $46.

More Coverage

most expensive travel days

Melbourne to Brisbane was cheapest on March 16, 19 and 20, and April 10 and 11 – from $89.

The cheapest day to fly from Sydney to Melbourne (from $46) or Brisbane (from $66) was March 26.

The least expensive flight from Brisbane to Sydney were found on March 19 (from $66), and for Melbourne on March 25 and 26, and April 3 and 9 (from $89).

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I like to refer to 2023 as the year of flying opulently. While flight prices were soaring, I found myself on the receiving end of some good fortune.

It’s great news for Aussies who fly on budget airlines. Jetstar and Bonza outperform Qantas and Virgin Australia in a surprising area.

A flight attendant has revealed the real meaning behind the tiny triangle stickers often found above a plane window.

Never Ending Footsteps

The Cost of Travel in Mexico: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Lauren at Tulum

Ask me about my favourite country in the world and I’ll tell you about Mexico.

I’ve been fortunate to have visited over a hundred countries during my past decade of travel, but it’s Mexico that never fails to leave me swooning.

I love this country so much that I can’t recommend a visit highly enough. Not only is Mexico full of beautiful scenery, world-class beaches, and wonderful locals, but it’s relatively inexpensive, too. And the food . The tacos! Mexico is worth visiting for the food alone. And yes, I want to reassure you that it is safe to visit.

As I write this now, in January 2024, I’ve spent a whopping seven months in Mexico and I’m currently planning on returning for another three. Over that time, I spent months living in a hippie beach town on the Pacific Coast, several weeks in the central mountain ranges, and two months making my way around the Yucatan. In other words, I’ve seen a hell of a lot of this incredible country, and I’m excited to share this detailed budget breakdown with you all.

Because while I’ve been making my way across this wonderful country, I’ve also been tracking every single peso I’ve spent.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to travel in Mexico, let’s jump in.

Woman standing on grass in front of a large stone structure at Chichen Itza in Mexico.

The Cost of Accommodation in Mexico

I’ll kick things off by focusing on my backpackers and budget travellers out there. If that’s you, you’ll be glad to hear that you can get by in Mexico on very little. Note that all the prices I mention below are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

Cheap Accommodation

As in many parts of the world, hostels are one of the best low-cost accommodation options. Mexico has hostels in most major city and towns across the country, and they’re one of the best ways of saving money while still making friends. I always recommend staying in hostels if you’re going to be travelling alone!

Hostels in Mexico are similarly priced to those in Central America, so you can get by on not very much at all. You can expect to spend around $15-25 a night for a dorm bed in a well-rated hostel, or around $60 for a private room . If you’re travelling as part of a couple, you may find you end up spending a similar amount for a private room versus just getting two beds in a dorm.

Airbnb is another option worth keeping in mind, as staying in a private room ( not renting out the entire apartment!) with a local can often work out to be more affordable than spending a night in a hostel, especially if you’re a couple. Head on over to the Airbnb website and it’s not hard to find accommodation for $30 a night . You’ll be more comfortable than you would be in a hostel, receive faster internet, and will get to hang out with the locals, which is what travel’s all about! 

Free Accommodation

If you’re on a really tight budget, there are options in Mexico that mean getting to explore the country for  free . Couchsurfing has been a budget travel staple for over a decade now, and there are  hundreds of thousands of hosts  across the country. You’ll be able to stay for free with a local and gain an insight into life in Mexico that’s tough to experience when staying with other travellers in hostels.

Housesitting  is a more upmarket option, aimed at mid-range and luxury travellers. Housesitting involves taking care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, often (but not always) looking after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees, as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you’ll need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you  do  have that freedom, though it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, you can also check out  WorldPackers (use promo code neverendingfootsteps for a $10 discount). Through the site, you’ll receive totally free accommodation (and often food) in exchange for a few hours of work each day.

Think: working in a hostel, helping with gardening, or even taking care of alpacas. You’ll likely make tons of new friends, learn a new skill, and, depending on where you end up, see a side of Mexico that few travellers get to experience. 

My Accommodation Recommendations in Mexico

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Tulum: Ah, Tulum. It has a reputation for being expensive, but bargains can still be had. Casa Almendro comes in at $51 a night — a steal for Tulum — and still manages to have the amenities of a luxury hotel. You’re within walking distance of the centre of Tulum, so finding a restaurant becomes a hell of a lot easier. You’ve got a kickass rooftop area with hammocks to lounge in. It’s directly opposite a market, so you can easily buy produce from there to cook, if you feel like eating in one night. And you can even rent bicycles to help you explore Tulum in more depth , something I can’t recommend doing highly enough.

Puerto Vallarta: I could say this about everywhere I’ve visited in Mexico, but I love Puerto Vallarta. It’s so much fun! With a great beach and delicious food, it combines the two best aspects of Mexican life. But where to stay? I stayed in Garlands del Rio at $88 a night , and loved its laidback vibe right on the river. There’s a lovely pool and bar area, and honestly, I wish everywhere offered me chips and salsa and a margarita on arrival like this place does! The owner seems determined to make everyone’s stay as perfect as possible, and when you do leave the hotel, restaurants, bars, and the city’s famous beach are all close by.

Mexico City: If there’s one thing you need to know about Mexico City, it’s that it’s large. And choosing a hotel — and indeed a neighbourhood — can be overwhelming. I recommend going for a place in Coyoacán, and in particular, I love what  Finca Coyoacán has to offer, at a price of $83 a night . You’ll be in the perfect place to explore the markets and restaurants of Coyoacán , and be able to retreat each nice to a safe haven with a super-comfortable bed, friendly staff, and even free fruit to snack on! There’s a reason why this is one of the best-rated properties in the entire city!

Oaxaca: When it comes to Oaxaca, I wouldn’t consider staying anywhere other than La Betulia , which comes in at $137 a night . It’s in one of my favourite areas of the city, just a few minutes away from the iconic Santa Domingo church, yet is still quiet enough for you to feel as though you’re worlds away from the city. And the breakfasts? Too good! What I love about La Betulia is that they offer up Mexican dishes for breakfast, in addition to the more Western flavours, so you’ll get to dive into the country’s cuisine and eat as the locals do. With some of the most welcoming locals in the city, beautiful rooms, and a propensity for attracting guests that fast become friends, there’s no wonder I can’t stop singing its praises!

Isla Mujeres: I stayed at the phenomenal Casa Barco Hotel while I was in Isla Mujeres; easily the best properties on the entire island! At a price of $130 a night , it’s also one of the best-value options in town (Isla Mujeres is pricey). It’s located in the north of the island, within walking distance to the one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in Mexico. The staff were absolutely wonderful here and offered up some great food recommendations for our stay. And that swimming pool? So picturesque!

The Cost of Transportation in Mexico

Lauren and Dave on a scooter in Isla Mujeres

Mexico’s a big country, but fortunately, it’s home to a solid public transportation system.

The bus is one of my favourite ways to explore the country, and it’s one of the cheapest, too. If you’re going to be travelling south of Mexico City, I can’t recommend the bus company ADO enough. They run luxury buses throughout this part of the country, offering comfortable reclining seats, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. They’re seriously up-market buses and well-worth paying for. I include some of their prices at the end of this section.

For smaller distances, you’ll be able to utilise colectivos , which are minivans that fit around 12 people. Just jump on board, tell the driver where you want to go, wait for the other people to get in, and then stop when you’re at your stop. They’re very affordable. I travelled by colectivo between Playa del Carmen and Akumal (M$40/$2.50)  and it as super-efficient, easy to use, and reasonably comfortable.

Unfortunately, trains don’t really exist in Mexico, with a couple of exceptions. Something that’s been on my Mexico wishlist for a while now is the Copper Canyon Railway, which runs through Mexico’s Copper Canyon and takes around 16 hours. There’s also a train that runs between Guadalajara and Tequila, which is known as the Tequila Express. Aside from those two journeys, though, you won’t be riding the rails while you’re in Mexico.

Once you’re on the ground, taxis are prevalent and Uber is available in several major destinations, like Mexico City, Cancun, Guanajuato, Tijuana, and Puerto Vallarta. There’s also the Cabify app, which works the same way as Uber. If you take regular cabs, you can expect to pay anywhere from M$10 to M$50 per km  depending on where you are in Mexico: as with basically every country in the world, expect to have a struggle to find a taxi driver that’s using their meter!

If you’re confident about driving in another country, you could always look into renting a car to explore the country. I have several friends who have done this and were surprised by how safe it felt to do so. They had no major incidents! A week-long car hire out of Cancun costs $110 for an economy option , so the prices aren’t too bad. I use  Skyscanner to find the cheapest car rentals.

Finally, I want to talk about flying in Mexico. If the distances are large (say you want to travel from Puerto Vallarta to Cancun), it makes more sense to fly. Mexico is a vast country and overland distances can take many days. I flew from Guanajuato to Cancun to save on the journey time and it ended up costing just $74 .

Here are some typical overland transportation costs you’ll come up against while you’re travelling in Mexico:

  • Bus ride from Cancun Airport to Tulum: M$420 ($25)
  • Bus ride from Tulum to Playa del Carmen: M$120 ($7)
  • Bus ride from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid: M$250 ($15)
  • Bus ride from Mexico City to Oaxaca: M$419 ($25)
  • Bus ride from Mexico City to Puebla: M$174 ($11)
  • Bus ride from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita: M$55 ($3.50)
  • Ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel: M$280 ($17)

The Cost of Food in Mexico

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If the food doesn’t end up being the highlight of your time in Mexico, I’ll be more than shocked. After all, I’m the person who regularly plans trips to Mexico for the sole reason of eating as much food as possible.

In fact, Mexico is my number one country in the world for eating.

And most exciting of all? The local food in Mexico is so cheap! You can get by on $1-2 a meal if you’re on a tight budget, but if you’re willing to splurge, you’ll be looking at paying as much as $10 per meal . It’s all so inexpensive. And delicious! Have I mentioned that it’s delicious?

One dish that you have to try in Mexico is cochinita pibil — it’s my favourite thing to eat in the country! Cochinita pibil is pulled pork shoulder that’s been slow-roasted and braised in achiote, orange juice, and lime. Throw some pickled onions on top, and you have the most incredible dish. It’s tender, tangy, full of flavour, and you can eat it in sandwiches and tacos for a dollar or two. You’ll find it everywhere in the Yucatan.

Tacos are probably going to fuel your Mexico sightseeing activities, as they’re cheap, delicious, and easy to find. You’ll eat them in a corn tortilla rather than a flour one that’s more popular in Western countries, and there are dozens of different flavours to choose from.

One of my favourites is tacos al pastor, which features schwarma-style pork and grilled pineapple, but I also love the chorizo, carnitas (deep-fried pork), and carne asada. In case you hadn’t realised, yes, I’m a big fan of pork.

Now, tempting as it is to live on tacos the entire time you’re in Mexico (I won’t judge you if you do), there are so many other great eating options that you really do need to try.

Let’s start with breakfast. And by breakfast, I mean chilaquiles. I’m not saying this is the healthy option, but I am definitely saying it is the delicious option. I mean, how could you not love fried tortillas, chopped up and covered with salsa, crumbled cheese, beans, eggs, and whatever else takes the chef’s fancy? There are many variations around the country, and I think I’ve just about tried them all at this point! You’ll pay $6-10 depending on what’s on it and where you are.

Most of the things that go inside a tortilla can be found inside bread as well: tortas are everywhere, and just as delicious. You won’t be shocked to hear that cocinita pibil is my favourite filling here as well, but I’ve had everything from chicken, beans, and fish to, famously once, chilaquiles. Dave and I still talk about that meal to this day. Expect to pay around $3 .

Tamales are also easily available, at least in some parts of the country. Look out for vendors standing over the distinctive streaming metal containers on street corners and then run, don’t walk, to grab yourself something incredible to eat.

Made from masa (a dough made from ground corn) and filled with chicken, pork, cheese, or beans, they’re wrapped in corn husk or banana leaf, then steamed in that metal container until they’re soft and delicious. I loved them on chilly afternoons in Guanajuato, but honestly, I’d eat them no matter the weather! They’re usually $1-2 each.

The Cost of Activities in Mexico

Author standing at a viewpoint above a beach in Tulum, Mexico, with an old stone building visible on a clifftop on the other side of the beach. Blue sky and ocean behind.

The cost of your activities are going to vary based on which part of the country you’re going to be visiting. In the Yucatan, much of your pesos will be spent on ruin-hopping and jungle-trekking; on the Pacific Coast, you’ll all about whale-watching and surfing.

These are the entrance fees (2024) to many of the popular attractions across the country:

  • Entrance to Chichen Itza: M$614 ($36)
  • Entrance to Coba ruins: M$100 ($6)
  • Entrance to Tulum ruins: M$90 ($5.50) + national park fee of M$58 ($3.50) for most visitors
  • Entrance to Cenote Dos Ojos: M$350 ($21)
  • Entrance to Guanajuato’s Mummy Museum: M$97 ($6)
  • Entrance to Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology:  M$95 ($6)
  • Entrance to Oaxaca’s Hierve el Agua waterfalls:  M$50 ($3)
  • Entrance to Mexico City’s Frida Kahlo Museum:  M$250-270 ($15-16)
  • Entrance to a Lucha Libre wrestling match:  M$120+ ($7) depending on your seat and who is fighting

As you can see, most attractions are pretty reasonably priced.

Let’s now take a look at the typical activities you can do in Mexico, as well as their costs. Whenever I visit a country, I always make sure to check out the tours that are available on Get Your Guide . I book 99% of the tours I take through there.

Other activities include:

  • Earlier entrance to Chichen Itza : $70
  • Sightseeing and Snorkelling catamaran cruise from Cancun : $59
  • Rio Secreto underground river tour : $89
  • Luxury sailing and snorkelling tour from Cabo San Lucas : $111
  • Mexico City market and street food tour : $105
  • Jungle buggy tour from Playa del Carmen with cenote swimming : $105
  • Snorkelling tour to the famous Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta : $121

Overall, then, if you’re going to be travelling to Mexico on a budget, you can see that the activities are really going to be where your costs start to increase. Still, I don’t think the prices for the tours are outrageous — they’re similar to what you’d pay in the U.S. — although they may be something you’ll want to skip out on if you’re watching your money.

The Cost of Miscellaneous Items in Mexico

Lauren in Guanajuato

Travel insurance:  If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Mexico. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

A dry bag: If you’re going to be hitting the beaches in Mexico or taking any boat trips, I highly recommend packing a dry bag  to take with you. A dry bag has saved me while travelling on so many occasions:

  • On a kayaking trip from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Nok, in Thailand, a freak wave splashed over me, as well as my camera and phone. Had I not had them in a dry bag, the water damage would have likely destroyed them.
  • On a ferry ride in Thailand, the boat sprung a leak and began to sink. I was able to put my laptop, camera, hard drive, passport, and money in my dry bag, seal it up, and know that they’d stay safe and dry if the worst were to happen.
  • I chartered a yacht in Greece and when mooring in tiny bays, was able to fill my dry bag with my camera, towel, and sunscreen, jump in the sea, and swim to the nearest empty beach without worrying about keeping my belongings dry.
  • I also think dry bags are fantastic for solo travellers on beach days. In French Polynesia, I filled mine with my valuables and took it for a swim with me, rather than having to leave them on my towel while hoping nobody would grab them.

I love all things Sea to Summit, and after trying several of their dry bags out, my favourite is the Ultra-Sil 8L — it’s durable, thin, lightweight, and has never let me down — I’ve been using it for over five years.

A GRAYL water purifier bottle: In countries with unsafe drinking water, I recommend picking up a  GRAYL water bottle  to save money on drinking while also helping protect the environment. This bottle comes complete with a filter that makes tap water safe to drink — you fill the bottle with water, slide the filter down to the bottom, then drink away. Doing so kills 99.9999% of all viruses, bacteria, and parasites in water and gets rid of any sediment, heavy metals, or weird flavours, making it completely safe to drink. You can drink tap water anywhere in the world with this bottle and not get sick — whether you’re in Mexico, Mozambique, or the Maldives! Trust me — I’ve used it in dozens of countries and never fallen unwell from doing so.

My Overall Travel Expenses in Mexico

Beach in Tulum

My daily expenses for a mid-range month-long trip through Mexico:

Accommodation: $62 a day Transportation: $11.80 a day Food: $13.70 a day Activities: $12.38 a day

Total: $99.88 a day

Related Articles on Mexico 🏖 28 Incredible Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 🏝 24 Incredible Things to Do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico ☀️ Isla Mujeres: My Mexican Island Paradise 🌈 Guanajuato: The Prettiest City in Mexico 🐚 Tulum and the Best Beach Ever 🧐 A Love-Hate Relationship with Playa del Carmen 🙈 That Time I Stayed in a Hotel Without Walls 🏡 Finding An Apartment in Sayulita

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Love this post! I’m going to be spending three months in Mexico in 2020 and this gives me a good idea of what I can expect to spend. My question for you, if you had to choose to spend three months on the west cost, east coast, or central area, which would you choose? Not that I’m necessarily going to do that, but I’m curious to get your answer. Thanks! :)

This was so helpful!! Would you mind sharing where you found such good prices for staying in Oaxaca?

Thank you! I actually just walked around town looking for any signs advertising rooms for rent. I ended up staying in a small studio apartment owned by a local woman — so not anywhere you could book online. If you want to stay long-term, it’s best to turn up and ask around to get the best deals.

thank you for the post! my partner and I are going to mexico in January for 2 months and are in a tight budget, I’d love to know where its the best place that you’d recommend for us to go or which route. Also we have a workaway account to volunteer for a bit we were thinking around 3 weeks.

Soooooo useful! I can’t wait to get to Mexico and I’m so happy to see it’s not going to be anywhere near as expensive as I was expecting. Slow travel is always the way to go!

Have an amazing time in Mexico! :-)

Thank you for the valuable info!! Looking to travel for a few months in Jan. 2021 if safe to do so. Very interested in Oaxaco area. Kind Regards

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The 17 Most Expensive Travel Destinations (Are They Worth It?)

Written by Becca

Updated on October 16th, 2023

most expensive travel days

Are the most expensive travel destinations in the world worth the trip? Let’s see the priciest places to take vacations to, and if you should spend the money to go.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

  • New York City, NY, USA
  • San Francisco, CA, USA
  • Banff National Park, Canada
  • Vancouver, Canada
  • The Galapagos Islands

Switzerland

  • African Safaris (various countries)

Where are the most expensive travel destinations in the world, and should you even consider vacationing in them?

Throughout my years of travel, I’ve aimed to visit the most affordable places in the world. It gets my budget to stretch further and I enjoy spending whatever I want when things don’t cost much.

But has that meant that I’m missing out on some unbeatable gems around the world, from Dubai to Zanzibar?

Would you scratch an expensive place from your list, or go all-in despite the costs, knowing that your travel experiences make you well-rounded and unique?

What follows is a list of the priciest countries to visit around the world, both from my own experience, and those of my friends and family members. We’re about to see if the most costly places to travel are worth it, aside from the price tag of spending time there!

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North America

North America is for sure a diverse place. Taking into account Canada , the US and Mexico with the rest of Central America, you can see that it’s a big continent, with some of the most expensive places on earth (NYC) to travel in!

Let’s see some of the most expensive places in all of North America, with my experience visiting them.

New York City, NY, USA

NYC is where I’m from, as well as where I spent a decade in my 20s and 30s living in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Living in NYC, with all its glitz, high prices and competitiveness, has conditioned me to not be so shocked by the prices in the rest of the most expensive travel destinations on earth. However, NYC’s prices are definitely a shock to visitors from other parts of the US, and from abroad!

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Why it’s expensive

I think New York City is expensive because it can get away with it. It’s the biggest (and best) major city in the United States, and no other city measures up. The influx of wealth, big business, finance, banking and celebrities have made NYC, in the past 10 years, an unbelievably expensive place to spend time in.

Is a trip to New York City worth it?

Of course a trip to NYC is worth it! I would recommend that anyone who has the means and the time should travel in NYC. The dense urban jungle of Manhattan, as well as the unbelievable mix of cultures all over, and gorgeous sites like Central Park, along with all the shopping, dining, entertainment and scenic views make NYC the BEST expensive city to visit!

If you want to live it up in NYC with an all-out trip, you can enjoy the sticker shock of things like a helicopter ride over Manhattan, staying at five-star hotels and meals out at top-rated restaurants. It’s not hard to spend money in NYC. ;-)

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How to make a trip to NYC affordable

I wrote a guide for how to live in NYC on a budget , and a lot of the tips can be applied to a vacation or visit there. Before you go, see my list of what to know before visiting NYC , which will comment on costs.

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San Francisco, CA, USA

San Francisco is a coastal city in California known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Silicon Valley and the tech industry, cool breezy weather, great food and interesting spots like Lombard Street and Haight-Ashbury.

San Francisco was at one point, the most expensive city in the US (before NYC took its spot). SF is expensive because the cost of living matches the salaries of those who live there, and it exists within its own bubble. The times I’ve gone to SF have luckily been for business (when I wasn’t payin’!), but I’ve been there on my own too, and even though I’m used to the cost of everything in NYC, San Francisco has shocking prices like a package of strawberries for $8.

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Is a trip to San Francisco worth it?

I think a trip to SF is worth it every once a while. Where else will you see gorgeous neighborhoods like Nob Hill, just a stone’s throw from cultural spots like Japantown? San Francisco truly does have an incredible food scene, as well as being the place where lots of new types of technologies get debuted (just look at self-driving cars!).

Is there a way to travel in San Francisco on a budget?

Yes, and I’ve done it. Instead of taking Uber or Lyft, I try to walk everywhere in San Francisco, or take the Bart. Instead of eating at top-rated restaurants, I try to eat at hole-in-the-wall joints like in Chinatown. In my 20s, I would also stay with friends, even if it was on the couch, and buy my own groceries at Safeway so that I could make some of my own meals.

If I were to go to San Francisco now, I would embrace a lot of things like museums, culture and more of the natural areas like the beaches within the city.

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Banff National Park, Canada

As one of the coolest (and most expensive destinations for travel) in Canada, Banff National Park is gorgeous. Really, that is how I would describe it to anyone. I went to Banff National Park as well as Jasper National Park with my family several years ago and got to see the fantastic turquoise lakes, pristine snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers and pretty sunsets. When you arrive in Banff, you’ll see that meals, hotels and tours are all costly.

Banff is recently the most expensive place in Canada to travel . This comes from a few factors: first, there has been increasing demand for travel to national parks in the last several years and Banff has grown in popularity because of social media. Next, Banff itself is located a few hours outside of Calgary and is somewhat isolated. Lastly, Banff (the town) is not a giant place, so there are only so many hotels and accommodations. The cost of hotels ranks alongside the cost of hotels in major European cities.

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Is a trip to Banff National Park worth it?

I think a trip to Banff is worth it once in your life when your wallet and savings account is feeling full. Places like Lake Louise and Peyto Lake (which looks like a dog’s profile) are, dare I say, outrageously beautiful (just don’t get all the other tourists in your photo). A trip to Banff is worth it if you want to be stunned by nature.

Is there a cheaper way to visit Banff?

I have a few tips for visiting Banff. If you’re young, try getting a bed or a room at any of Banff’s several youth hostels. Next, you can try visiting in shoulder season, in between the long days and great weather of summer and before ski season. Lastly, try booking early for your car rental.

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Vancouver, Canada

Charming Vancouver is the biggest city in Canada’s west, and it reminds me a bit of Seattle. If you’ve been to eastern Canada, consider that Vancouver is quite different. Much of the city’s history relates to its location as a gateway to Asia, and this is probably my favorite aspect of Vancouver, because as far as dining goes, there is a TON of great Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese food!

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There are a few reasons that contribute to the high cost of living (and travel) in Vancouver: home prices and real estate (thanks to some foreign buyers) have inflated and gotten higher, driving up the cost of other things, and the city also has a strong economy. Things look good for Vancouver, and when we started looking at hotels for our summer trip, I got a little nervous.

Is a trip to Vancouver worth it?

I thought being able to see and experience Vancouver was well worth it, even though it rained basically the whole time! I could tell that it is a beautiful and peaceful city, and I enjoyed the walkability. I think the trip is worth it because you can see nature with a short drive or public transit ride from the city center. We did the Grouse Hike with a group of friends and saw bears at the top of the mountain (they were in an enclosure, so that visitors can see them). I didn’t expect that all, and it felt very Canadian!

Is there a cheaper way to visit Vancouver?

When Dan and I went to Vancouver, we were really lucky in that we had a whole set of airline points and miles saved up from during COVID, and we blew them all on our round-trip flights and our hotel. In fact, our points didn’t cover the cost of an expensive hotel, so we stayed at a budget hotel (which was very nice, although we had a shared, not private, bathroom!) in a pretty solid location near Gastown. I would recommend saving up your miles to visit Vancouver on the cheap, if you can! Of course, you can visit my list of ways to visit Vancouver on a budget .

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Middle East

While countries like Egypt, Turkey and Lebanon are known for being cheap, not all of the Middle East is inexpensive. These two Middle Eastern travel destinations might burn a hole in your pocket, so save up!

I love traveling in Israel, and having been there four times, it somehow keeps getting … more expensive? Gosh, I wish Israel wasn’t so expensive so I could go there all the time and eat like a king, but alas, a few contributing factors have made Israel expensive for travel.

Some ratings have placed Tel Aviv as the most expensive city in the world. A few things make Israel expensive. First, for Americans, the Israeli Shekel (ILS) keeps getting stronger against the dollar, although it’s weakening sometimes. The first time I went to Israel, I could get 4.25 Shekels for my USD, and when I went in 2016 and 2018, it was a bunch less. Dan and I felt pretty slammed the most recent time we visited Israel, with prices similar to those we’d expect in Manhattan (in Tel Aviv).

Israel got expensive due to demand. Tourists come from all over the world (Europe, Asia, the Americas) to see Israel, and the country is not all that big. There are new hotels in more parts of the country all the time, but for the most part, supply in accommodation is pretty set.

Maker:S,Date:2017-9-10,Ver:6,Lens:Kan03,Act:Lar02,E-Y

Is a trip to Israel worth it?

In one word: yes. In a few more words: yes, yes, yes. Traveling in Israel is incredible whether you go for a faith-based trip, or for the annual Pride festival in Tel Aviv, or if you want to soak up the winter sun on the beach or hang out in the Dead Sea.

My best moments of traveling in Israel are visiting the Dome of the Rock , seeing a sunset at Caesaria, skipping out to the beach in Tel Aviv with friends and wandering through Jerusalem and the Mahane Yehuda Shuk.

I hope everyone gets a chance to visit Israel in their lives!

most expensive travel days

Is there a cheaper way to visit Israel?

Not all aspects of an Israeli vacation have to be expensive. You can stay in less central areas of major cities, try to eat street food, take mass transit and do free activities. As for accommodation, we recommend Abraham Hostels and the Savoy Hotel , a mid-range type of stay.

For a while, it felt like everyone was going to Dubai. I saw photos of the Burj Khalifa, the casinos and the shopping malls all over social media. How is Dubai still all the rage, and so expensive at the same time?

Pretty simply, Dubai is a luxury destination. As Dubai became more known as a millionaire’s playground, it seems like the personality keeps ballooning and more luxury things rise out of the desert sands there. Also, alcohol is very expensive because it has to come from a licensed place. The cost of living in Dubai is high, but if you come from a major city like London or NYC, you may not be quite as shocked as a visitor who comes from a smaller city.

Is a trip to Dubai worth it?

I think we could agree that Dubai is simply like nowhere else. The glitz, shine and new-ness of Dubai make it a unique city that awes most visitors. It’s also a city in which to experience Muslim culture, visit some famous mosques and even go sand-boarding in a desert.

Can you go to Dubai cheaply?

Not every trip to Dubai has to be expensive, and there are a few ways to take a trip there on a shoestring budget. Check out this blog for a list of how to save money in Dubai .

South America

Most travelers head to South America for a backpacking trip on the cheap. I certainly did, with trips to Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. But what about the places in South America that are some of the most expensive destinations?

Patagonia, we should note, is a gorgeous natural mountain region split between Argentina and Chile. Argentina gets a much larger area of the Patagonia region in terms of land area. Within Patagonia, you’ll find travel hotspots like Torres del Paine National Park, Bariloche, Los Glaciares National Park and El Chalten. While traveling in Argentina is typically cheaper than the Chilean side, neither country’s Patagonia is cheap for travelers.

most expensive travel days

Why is Patagonia so expensive? It’s mostly due to demand, and the fact that most of the people who go to this gigantic land area are tourists and hikers. Tourism is increasing all over Patagonia, half due to social media popularity and half due to supply of things like hotels and lodges. Dan ran a half marathon in Patagonia, which goes to show how larger-scale events like this one are drawing large numbers of adventurers from far away, all at the same time.

Is there a way to travel to Patagonia affordably? One tip is to choose the Argentine side over the Chilean side (sorry, Chile) and another one is to budget your routes and drives so that you can save money on gas with your car rental.

most expensive travel days

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands is one of the more remote locations in this list of popular “expensive” destinations. What’s interesting is how stark the difference in travel is, between the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador, where I’ve traveled.

When I went to mainland Ecuador for nine days, I think I got asked, Are you also going to the Galapagos? I detailed that this would require yet another flight and probably some guided tour options, which I didn’t have the budget for at the time.

That’s the thing about the Galapagos: this incredible set of islands set to the west of Ecuador and the South American Mainland is typically visited with a tour package (although you could do the trip on your own, with a la carte pieces put together). With flights from Quito, and an all-in package that will set up your accommodation, excursions and way to see the unique wildlife in their habitats, you’ll probably be looking at a minimum of $1000 and up to $6000.

The reason for the high cost of travel in the Galapagos is due to sustainability, tourism logistics and cruises.

It’s worth it though: where else in the world can you see the Blue-Footed Booby, giant tortoises and penguins, all in the same island chain in the Pacific Ocean? This is why the Galapagos remains one of the most popular, albeit pricy, places to travel in South America.

Not everywhere in Europe is expensive to travel in. Some destinations, though, really take the cake. If you’ve saved your Euros for a trip to these expensive destinations in Europe, you still may be stunned to see the price of travel in these costly Eurotrip locales.

Iceland is usually the #1 most expensive travel destination that friends of mine have in mind when I say, Where’s the most expensive place you’ve traveled? Most would say Iceland.

Dan went to Iceland in our first year of dating and because he was trying to go along with a shoestring budget, he made sandwiches by going to a few supermarkets, stayed at a hostel or basic B&Bs and rented a small car for his drive around the Ring Road. You can see the details at Dan’s guide to Iceland on a budget .

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Not everyone has the patience for budget travel in Iceland, and most travelers to Iceland are shocked at the prices, yet they go into the trip knowing what they’re in for. My friend Danielle says, “You could quote me that a side salad in Iceland is $30! It’s crazy how expensive veggies are because everything is imported.”

And that’s the reasoning! Iceland is expensive first because it’s in Scandinavia, which is a region with an outstandingly high cost of living, and second, Iceland is an island . Everything that is not Icelandic has to come imported from somewhere else, by a plane or a boat.

Is it worth it though? Most would say yes: a trip to Iceland is unforgettable. Just look at Dan’s photos of this pristine nature, from the geysers and mountains to the volcanoes and sea coast. Iceland is like nowhere else on Earth, and if you want to see it for yourself, it’ll come at a high price (money-wise).

most expensive travel days

Switzerland is known as the most expensive country in Europe to live in. Even for folks coming from NYC and London, Switzerland prices will be surprising. It’s hard to find a hotel in Switzerland for less than $150 a night, and even meals out at fast food will run you $10-15.

You can blame the high standard of living that makes Switzerland expensive. Wages and salaries are high, so everything is priced accordingly. Travelers coming from lower-cost-of-living areas and countries might be astounded.

Is traveling to Switzerland worth it? You can be the judge. If you’re dying to see the Alps, and picturesque cities like Zurich, a trip to Switzerland will be one for the books.

Norway is where my eyes really light up if I see my friend’s photos of Trolltunga, one of the most photographed places in Norway. As a huge and long country that stretches all the way to the Arctic, Norway is a really special place!

Is it cheap though? Far from it. Norway is also one of the most expensive places in Europe, where you’ll have a nice time if you’re ready for the strike to your travel budget. While hotels in a place like Oslo aren’t shockingly costly, it seems to be the food that really does people in.

A meal at an “inexpensive” restaurant will likely cost you $15-20, as will a sandwich (if you see this list here at Numbeo.com ). A beer in a bar will also cost you between $8-10. Many of the high prices in Norway reflect the cost of labor, which pays relatively well, because of those Scandinavian standards.

My cousin Emmy says, “My number one experience from my time in Norway was that everything was wildly expensive. I remember getting like a 6-inch subway sandwich because it was like the only non-grocery store thing I could afford and it being equivalent to like, 25 bucks.”

Is a trip to Norway worth it? I think Norway is an incredible destination, both because of Norwegian culture and the unbelievable natural scenes you’ll find at the fjords and near the Arctic, like Lofoten, where my friend Kelly went and really enjoyed it. Kelly says that Norway is “hands-down one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever been to. We went for the nature and spent a lot of our time hiking and driving around, so even though things were expensive most of our activities were free.”

Is there a way to offset the high costs? Kelly says, “We also grocery shopped and did meal prep since we were staying in remote areas without a lot of restaurants. A friend suggested bringing snacks (granola bars, trail snacks, etc.) from the US, which was super helpful!”

Denmark is the happiest country on earth, and also one of the most incredibly expensive. Why is it so expensive for travelers? The country has high salaries and high taxes, which both contribute to a high cost of living (and a very high standard of living). With everything in Denmark being “high,” you can bet that travelers pay the price.

To get your finances ready for a trip to Denmark, be prepared to shell out for travel expenses like food (note that hotels aren’t terribly expensive, and will run you MUCH less than NYC, on average). A budget dinner will cost up to $30 per person and fast food could be as much as $20.

Is it worth it though, is the question. Most will say yes: Denmark is an attractive place to visit because of eye-catching places like Copenhagen and Skagen. If you need to try to save money, try budget restaurants, walking instead of taking transport and staying in accommodation toward the outskirts of a city or town.

There’s a hack, from my friend Emma , who says, “Denmark is the best if you love design and baked goods. I could eat every meal at a bakery or casual spot and have a VERY good time.” So there’s that!

I love Asia because so much of it is cheap! Having been to 15 countries in Asia, I have a good handle on the inexpensive ones, as well as the expensive ones . See my top expensive Asian vacation ideas below.

One thing I would recommend not to do is to go from a really cheap country to a really expensive one like Singapore. After spending two years in mainland China, I backpacked across China and then went to Singapore to visit a friend.

My mind was absolutely blown to shreds with the price of what everything cost in Singapore. Even ten years ago when I went, my friend took me to bars and clubs where a $25 (in US Dollars) cover fee to get in got us one drink, and entry. My friend lived in Geylang, and from the central parts of the city back to his place, a taxi cost me $40. A beer in the 7Eleven was $7! I just really could not believe Singapore.

If there’s a way to “do Singapore on the cheap,” it would be staying in a B&B or hotel in a neighborhood outside the city center, eating street food (which is the best in the world, in Singapore) and walking a lot. I certainly had fun at the bars and clubs, but the sticker shock put me in a bit of a budget hole at the time because we did it every night!

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Japan is one of my favorite countries. Having been there twice, to Tokyo, Osaka and Narita-Shi, and having had different experiences, my main takeaways are that Japan is always worth the trip no matter what it costs. This being said, Japan is not cheap.

A joke among my friends and I was that if we went to Japan (at the time, the Yen to the Dollar was NOT in our favor), we’d be eating sushi and hot meals from Family Mart (which is a convenience store). Family Mart does have great food, though, considering that it’s like a 7Eleven. My friend Emma noted, and I quote, “The hard boiled eggs there are literally perfect.” Hotels and accommodation in Japan will seem expensive because you’re not getting much space. This especially rings true in cities. Emma reminded me that in Tokyo, your hotel room or Airbnb will be very small, but efficient, and there’s so much to explore anyway. You’ll hardly spend time there.

I say going to Japan is worth it, despite it being a very expensive place to travel, because Japanese people are amazing, and Japan is generally amazing.

I think what surprises most travelers is that Africa, a continent that goes into our news and media as developing countries with less wealth than the West, is surprisingly expensive for travel. My friend Daniel Herszberg , who has been to every country in the world, said that some of the most expensive places for him have been Sub-Saharan Africa, where the cost of hotels is “jacked up” because of diplomats.

In more well-traveled parts of Africa, the cost of travel is still high, although not extreme, like for Daniel’s purposes. Let’s see why.

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Zanzibar is a photo-worthy (I’ll cut to the chase! Ha) island off the coast of Tanzania, known for white sands and blue water beaches to rest your eyes on. It’s not cheap though. Zanzibar is, out of the more “well-traveled” destinations in Africa, one of the most expensive. That’s because it’s an island.

Hotels are where a lot of the expense in Zanzibar comes from. Many are resorts and are priced at $200-300. Day trips are also expensive.

African Safaris (various countries)

I went on a safari in South Africa, and this was the bulk of the money I spent during my entire trip. I recall it was around $400 and that was a lot at the time. Going on a safari is a quintessential travel bucket list item for many globetrotters, and are marketed as a “must” if you’re headed to Africa.

My friend Danielle, who went to the region recently, said that the catch in terms of being pricy is that there aren’t backpacker or budget options really for Serengeti (Tanzania) or Masai Mara (Kenya) for hotels. In order to see the animals, you have to go on a tour.

For Nairobi (Kenya), according to Danielle, you could probably find cheap places to stay, but if you want to do a safari, “It’s really tough if you’re on a budget.”

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And finally, the last continent: Antarctica. The world’s least-visited continent is now accessible for the modern traveler, and the only way to do it is … to take a cruise.

It’s not that Antarctica is actually expensive; rather, it’s that the way to get there and experience it safely (and there aren’t any alternatives) is with a large group on any number of cruises and tour packages.

It’s common knowledge now that going to Antarctica can’t be done cheaply, quickly or unsafely, as it is far away, and isolated. Cruise tours from either Chile or Argentina will run a traveler $5000 to $15,000 depending on the type of vessel, length of trip and tier of luxury.

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A local’s travel guide to New York City: what to eat, see and do in three days

Top destinations in New York include a ferry ride, shopping for watches in Chinatown and a Brighton Beach bender

I first came to New York City by accident, after a miscommunication with my father led me to believe my (long-deceased) mother had been desperate to visit the city before she died.

Years later I found out that my mum had actually wanted to go to Paris. But I still had a great time in New York, and ended up moving here a couple of years later.

On that first trip I did all the main tourist things which, owing to the miscommunication, I had thought my mother had wanted to do: I went up big buildings, looked at big buildings, drank in bars beneath big buildings.

It was great and everything, but there’s much, much more to do here – especially if you like eating, riding about by subway and ferry, and bargaining for knockoff luxury goods.

Day 1: Boating and brownstones

A lot of people have heard of the Staten Island ferry , and for good reason. It’s free to travel on the big orange boats between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The route goes right past the Statue of Liberty, and offers amazing views of lower Manhattan.

As a boat lover, I’d also recommend taking the NYC ferry . It has a flat fare of $4 and operates up and down the East River, passing under bridges and allowing riders to snoop at waterside buildings.

If you’re starting in Manhattan (which you probably are), take the southbound ferry from East 34th Street to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo, which stands for “down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass”. It’s here where everyone with an Instagram account gets their shots of both the Manhattan Bridge and the (older, better-known) Brooklyn Bridge. Plenty of people will visit this area then turn their back on Brooklyn, but I’d recommend sticking around New York City’s most populous and, depending whom you speak to, trendiest borough.

A crowd of people walk on a path over the Brooklyn Bridge while two young women pose for a photo.

Pop by Jane’s Carousel , an exquisitely restored 1922 ride which is plonked between the bridges, and then walk south through Brooklyn Bridge Park. You’ll go past several piers – once working docks now transformed into leafy picnic and sport areas. There are magnificent views across to Manhattan. It’s a nice spot to propose to a partner, as my little brother did last year. If you don’t want to do that, but do like to play soccer or basketball or roller-skate, you’re in luck.

After you hit Pier 6, where there’s a pleasant, if expensive, rooftop pizza restaurant called Fornino , walk up Atlantic Avenue for some shopping and coffee at Goose Barnacle , an independent clothing store with a hidden bar in the back. The owner, Dave Alperin, a fourth-generation Brooklynite, is very friendly and knowledgable about the area and can give you tips about everything from where to buy the best sandwich ( Lillo Cucina Italiana – try the Mamma Roma) to the location of a semi-secret basement speakeasy ( Le Boudoir ) nearby.

From there I’d take a bus or cab to Fort Greene, a very pretty neighborhood whose townhouses are the sort of Brooklyn thing you see in the movies, and grab dinner at Olea . If you make it before 6.30pm, there’s a great happy hour.

Day 2: Rude T-shirts and not-quite Rolexes

Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood has all the posh shops, so if you have money, or like looking through windows at expensive clothes and bags, walk east along Prince Street from West Broadway. There are nice buildings to look at around here too – the newly constructed towers that abound in the city are largely absent in this neighborhood. Stop in at Fanelli Cafe , a neighborhood stalwart that has been around since 1847, for a coffee or some food, then head south along Broadway to Chinatown.

People ride an old-style wooden worse carousel.

There are lots of great dim sum places, including Golden Unicorn , whose large fancy dining hall is located on the second floor of a marble-esque building. From there I’d take a walk along Canal Street, dipping into sidestreets for cheap souvenirs – snow globes, little statues and that sort of thing – and bizarre T-shirts (many of which are very rude).

Chinatown also does a roaring trade in imitation watches and handbags. So if, like me, you will not and cannot spend $30,000 on a watch but have about $100 to spare, you can get (to my eye) a fairly good imitation. The food markets along Canal Street also sell real nice timepieces – they even work – if you fancy sticking it to big watch. You’ll find plenty of “designer” bags too.

Hopefully you’re hungry again, because Great N Y Noodletown is, per its name, great – especially the roast pig on rice.

From there I’d head farther south and stop in at Whiskey Tavern , the friendliest bar I’ve ever been to in my life (and I’ve been to a lot of bars). They print out personalized welcome signs that they will stick to your table or behind the bar, which sounds a bit naff – but isn’t. The real reason to come is to chat to locals and regulars. It’s also one of the closest bars to city hall, which means there’s a regular stream of “Just Married” couples doing shots of whiskey and eating chicken wings.

If you’ve still got energy, and like singing or shouting, go to Up Stairs , a karaoke bar tucked behind a nondescript doorway on Canal Street. Drinks are cheap, and it gets packed with revelers.

Day 3: Seaside shenanigans

If, like me, you’re a fan of once-glamorous seaside attractions that are now in a state of faded glory, then take the F train to Coney Island. People seem to overlook the fact that the city is surrounded by water, and while Coney Island isn’t the nicest beach for bathing (for that, try Fort Tilden or Jacob Riis Park), there’s loads to do.

Kick things off by watching a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The Cyclones are a feeder team to the New York Mets. They play at Maimonides Park, tickets are usually dirt cheap and easy to get, and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want a snazzy memento, buy a beer in a foot-long plastic baseball bat. Sometimes they let the crowd “run the bases” after the game, which is a lot of fun, especially if you’ve had more than one of the baseball bat beers.

A person sits on a bench on a boardwalk with birds circling and snow on the ground.

After the exhilaration of taking in second-tier baseball, walk east towards the Cyclone , one of the oldest and, as far as I can tell, rickety-est rollercoasters in the US. The wooden ride – described as “pretty extreme” by Coaster Critic – will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2027, and it sounds and looks its age. Buyer beware.

Once you’ve stumbled off the ride, go for a settling drink at Ruby’s , the oldest bar on the boardwalk. You can take in the black-and-white shots of Coney Island in its 1930s glory, and if you’re feeling brave, buy a cardboard box full of clams.

Every Friday night from late June to September there is a fireworks show on the beach, which draws a large crowd. You could take it in while eating borscht and sipping coffee or vodka at Tatiana’s , a Russian restaurant-cum-nightclub a 10-minute walk along the boardwalk from the Cyclone.

Side note: you don’t need to wait until summer to visit. I went a day after it had snowed, and it was brilliant.

Question time

How many days do you need to visit new york city.

Three would be fine. If you want to take in all the Instagram favorite destinations, then maybe four.

What’s the most-visited attraction? Is it worth it?

Times Square. And not really. But it’s near enough to other attractions that if you’re heading to a Broadway show then you might as well walk through it.

When is the best time to visit?

The peak of summer can be boiling hot, and winter can be freezing cold. May through early July and September through October are usually a safe bet.

How expensive is it?

New York City is expensive. If you’re staying in Manhattan you’d be (very) lucky to get a hotel room for about $200 a night – but bear in mind that there will usually be hefty taxes on top of that. A bog standard coffee will cost you about $5, a pint anywhere from $6 to $10. The subway fare recently went up: it’s $2.90 a ride now.

Adam Gabbatt is a writer for the Guardian and is originally from the north of England. He has lived in New York City for 13 years and now says “trash” instead of “rubbish” and “sidewalk” instead of “pavement” and his family hates him for it

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Disney’s most exclusive tour: 12 parks and a private jet for $115,000

If you thought the $5,000 star wars hotel was expensive, consider this 24-day tour around the world.

most expensive travel days

Disney raised eyebrows when it debuted an interactive Star Wars-themed hotel that would cost upward of $5,000 per couple for a two-night stay.

Now, the entertainment giant is about to start selling spots for a private jet experience that costs nearly 50 times as much. Adventures by Disney, which provides fans with guided trips around the world, is bringing back its “Disney Parks Around The World” trip, starting at nearly $115,000 a person.

The 24-day, six-country, 12-park private jet experience stops at the company’s properties in California, Tokyo , Shanghai , Hong Kong , Paris and Florida as well as some non-Disney landmarks including the Taj Mahal and Great Pyramid of Giza. The company promises “access to extraordinary opportunities not available to the public.”

And if the tour is anything like the nearly identical (but slightly cheaper) version that the company offered last year, it will sell out quickly. That trip departed Sunday and lasts until Aug. 1 of this year. .

This nice gentleman met us at baggage claim to collect our luggage and escort us to our private transport to the Disneyland Resort to begin our #ABDAroundTheWorld adventure pic.twitter.com/nyypOTk161 — LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) July 9, 2023

Some staffers from the Disney fan site Laughing Place are on the trip; writer Alex Reif has been posting reports each day, starting with a pre-trip rundown of the amenities he received in advance. They include luggage, Bose headphones and an iPad.

Reif has been documenting details from the mundane (rapid covid tests for all on the first day) to photos of the buffet and insider experiences such as visiting Walt Disney’s original office at Walt Disney Studios. The tour hasn’t left the United States yet.

“A lifetime of wishes and dreams has led to this,” he wrote in the first-day story .

The company has scheduled two of the journeys for 2024, one leaving June 16 and the other departing July 28. Each can accommodate 75 people on a “VIP-configured” Boeing 757 that comes with an in-flight chef. A physician will accompany the group for the entire trip.

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“Disney fans love exclusive things ... they like to have a Disney résumé,” said Sue Pisaturo, owner of the Disney travel planning company Small World Vacations . “This would be the height of a Disney résumé.”

She compared the segment of superfans to those who buy fine watches, designer sneakers or Birkin bags.

“Disney has that same level of experience collection,” Pisaturo said. She added: “This is mind- blowing for a certain demographic that wants it and can afford it.”

Representatives for Disney did not respond to questions about the tour.

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A detailed itinerary promises VIP tours and expedited access to rides at many of the parks, and reserved seating for fireworks shows. In some cases, tour participants will enter before official opening times and get behind-the-scenes looks at the monorail transportation system in Florida and Disney’s test kitchen. Tours of Walt Disney Studios and the Lucasfilm campus are also included.

Despite the length of the trip, the pace does not sound leisurely. On day 15, travelers have access to a sunrise photo opportunity at the Taj Mahal. They fly to Cairo the next day, then Paris the day after that. The tour starts in Southern California and ends in Central Florida.

There are some additional costs and fine print to consider: Transportation to California and from Florida is not included, and the prices only applies if two people are traveling together. Going solo? Tack on an extra $11,495. Young kids are not allowed; the minimum age is 12.

If all of that sounds fine, congratulations. But you still might not be able to go. Bookings open June 12 for Adventures by Disney customers who have taken three or more trips; two days later, all past tour company guests can book. Then members of Golden Oak — a luxury community at Walt Disney World — have an opportunity. And then , on June 19, anyone with the money can snag a reservation if spots remain.

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Bookings for the costly trip are opening up not long after the company announced it was pulling the plug this fall on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the hotel and role-playing experience. Disney has been eliminating thousands of jobs to cut billions in costs. And the announcement about the tour comes as fans continue to complain that they feel priced out by high costs and fees for things like line-skipping privileges.

Tom Bricker, founder of Disney Tourist Blog , said in an email that the company has a long history of catering to the super wealthy with products and experiences that are out of reach for even the upper middle class.

“The difference now is that there’s much more visibility into these expensive and niche offerings, and they end up further validating fan complaints about price increases and other grievances as a result,” he said. “There seems to be a heightened sense of scrutiny around everything Disney does.”

Still, Pisaturo said one of her travel agents who sells a lot of Adventures by Disney has some interested clients waiting for the booking dates to open. Based on her experience as a Disney travel agent for decades, she said there are lots of affluent fans who could afford the trip.

“If you add it up, I’m not going to say it’s a bargain,” she said. “But if you add it up, what you’re getting, it’s not that outrageous.”

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Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

most expensive travel days

Money blog: Heathrow announces six new routes; three UK tourist attractions introducing 'surge pricing'

Six new routes will be available from Heathrow this summer, to Abu Dhabi, Kos, Izmir, Bangalore, Barcelona and Paris-Orly. Read this and more in the Money blog - your place for consumer and personal finance news. Leave a comment on the stories we're covering, or a Money Problem, below.

Monday 25 March 2024 21:39, UK

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The British government is no longer the controlling shareholder in NatWest bank , reducing its stake in the lender to below 30%.

NatWest received several multibillion-pound bailouts at the height of the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, resulting in the government being left with an 84% stake in what was then known as RBS Group.

The government had been slowly selling down its stake but it accelerated the process in recent months.

Read the full story here ...

People who drive SUVs could have to pay higher parking charges in Oxford under plans drawn up by some city councillors.

The motion has been put forward by the city's Green Party.

It follows a new policy in Paris that saw parking charges triple for SUV drivers. 

The Green Party's plan would have to be approved by the Labour-controlled council.

Apple, Meta and Google's parent company are being investigated by the European Union under new laws designed to clamp down on the market power of the world's tech giants.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) came into force at the beginning of March and aims to tackle "gatekeeping" behaviour among tech giants.

If the companies are found guilty of non-compliance, they face fines of up to 10% of their global turnover.

Under the new rules, companies are expected to allow app developers to steer users to products outside their own platforms for no extra charge.

Also, platforms that rank search results must treat all listings fairly and in a way that does not discriminate against services offered by third parties.

The number of under-30s with millionaire salaries has grown to a record high of 830, while more than 15,000 young people earn over £150,000, analysis by accountancy firm Lubbock Fine shows.

Before the pandemic, 650 under-30s had earned at least £1m and 13,400 earned more than £150,000.

Among the highest paid young people in the UK are pop star Dua Lipa, Manchester City star Erling Haaland and actress Millie Bobby Brown.

Lubbock Fine said the rise in £1m-plus earners is being driven by higher pay packages for sports, media and music stars, while the rise in those on more than £150,000 is thanks to higher salaries in the technology and financial services industries.

The average salary for a Premier League footballer is £3.6m a year, with Erling Haaland, 23, the highest earner under 30. 

The star earns £19.5m a year, or £375,000 a week, according to Spotrac. 

Chelsea and England star Raheem Sterling, 29, is on £16.9m, while Jack Grealish, 28, and Marcus Rashford, 26, both earn £15.6m. 

In music, pop star Dua Lipa, 28, is thought to be the richest under 30 with a wealth of more than £75m. 

The highest-paid young British actor is Millie Bobby Brown, known for her starring roles in Stranger Things and Enola Holmes.

She is said to have accumulated a net worth of £20m.

But while football and music and acting is a route to fame and fortune, in cash terms it is dwarfed by tech. According to the Sunday Times Rich List, the wealthiest under-30 in the UK is the 28-year-old builder of the video conferencing app Hopin, Johnny Boufarhat (£1.7bn).

Wealthiest under-30s

  • Johnny Boufarhat, founder of Hopin - £1.714bn
  • Christian Owens, founder of Paddle - £101m
  • Dua Lipa, pop star - £75m
  • Raheem Sterling, footballer - £61m
  • Charlie Morgan, co-founder of Au Vodka - £55m
  • Niall Horan, pop star - £54m
  • Harry Kane, footballer - £51m
  • Daniel Knight, director of Kinetic Games - £50m

Visitors to the popular tourist attractions will pay more at peak times under new plans from owner Merlin Entertainments. 

Surge pricing - which means prices fluctuate depending on demand - will be introduced at the company's top 20 global attractions by the end of this year. 

Scott O'Neil, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, said people would expect to pay more in peak season, for example a Saturday in August, than on a "rainy Tuesday in March".

He told Business Live With Ian King : "One thing I love about dynamic pricing is that it offers an opportunity in the peak times to make sure the queues are down and the guest experience is high. 

"The other part that I really appreciate about dynamic pricing is that in off-peak times, it allows families that might not otherwise have an opportunity to go."

The theme park operator will use machine learning to monitor supply and demand.

Surge pricing is frequently used by hotels and airlines, but the model is being increasingly adopted by entertainment facilities. 

Merlin revealed today it had delivered record revenues of £2.1bn in 2023, up 8% year on year. 

However, visitor numbers have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

Roughly 62.1 million people visited its 141 global attractions last year, down from the 67 million recorded in 2019.

A leading buy-to-let lender has cut rates across its range.

The Mortgage Works announcement includes a headline 3.99% deal fixed for five years.

The industry has reacted positively, with Darryl Dhoffer from The Mortgage Expert telling Newspage: "Buy-to-let mortgages have been dropping for some time now. 

"Who would have thought that a headline buy-to-let rate of 3.99% would be cheaper than a standard residential mortgage rate? 

"Fair play to The Mortgage Works. Let's hope big brother, Nationwide, wake up and start reducing residential interest rates."

Three lesser-noted developments at the Bank of England last week have prompted a forecast that 3% interest rates will return next year.

Economists at the respected insight firm Capital Economics have been analysing voting patterns and interviews given by Bank rate setters - and "as a result we have become a bit more confident in our forecasts that interest rates will be cut from 5.25% in June and to 3.00% next year".

Paul Dales, the firm's chief UK economist, explained: "First, for the first time since September 2021, none of the nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted to raise rates.

"Second, the minutes to the meeting included a new line that said 'policy could remain restrictive even if Bank Rate were to be reduced'. This may sound innocuous, but at every meeting since interest rates rose to their peak of 5.25% last August, the MPC has said that policy would remain 'restrictive for sufficiently long'. 

"Pointing out that a rate cut is not inconsistent with that guidance implies that the MPC wanted to make it clear it would not necessarily need to remove that guidance before it cuts rates."

Thirdly, Dales has picked out comments by governor Andrew Bailey, who told the FT last Thursday afternoon that market forecasts for cuts this year were "not unreasonable".

Dales said: "Subsequent comments that 'all our meetings are in play; we take a fresh decision every time' imply that the MPC will be actively considering rate cuts at the coming meetings."

Markets are expecting three cuts, from 5.25% to 4.5%, this year, starting in June.

There is a 20% chance, according to markets, a first cut could come in May, when inflation data for the previous month is expected to show a big drop in inflation due to an April cut to the energy price cap.

By Daniel Dunford , senior data journalist

British people aren't the only ones to moan about the state and price of housing in their country, but we do have the best justification to do so.

Finland is the only country in the OECDi that spends more on housing than British workers as a proportion of total spending.

And after you adjust for quality, in terms of size, age and proximity to jobs, the UK has higher housing costs than any other developed economy, research by living-standards thinktank the Resolution Foundation shows.

These charts illustrate the key findings...

Leeds Building Society has just announced cuts of up to 0.25% on selected fixed-rate deals.

Relative newcomer to the market Gen H is also reducing rates by up to 0.2%.

Industry insiders say lenders are responding to falling swap rates (these reflect market expectations for future interest rates) and positive noises from Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey last week.

Despite the Bank holding its base rate at 5.25%, Mr Bailey said market expectations of cuts this year (they currently think there will be up to three, starting in summer) were "reasonable".

Michael Haupt, owner of Tomorrow Mortgages, told the industry news provider Newspage, in quotes supplied to the Money blog: "It's great news that Leeds have announced a number of rate cuts this morning. 

"Hopefully this is the start of things to come and the general narrative around mortgage rates will become more positive.

"Though we didn't get a rate cut last week, we got very clear signs from the Bank of England that one is coming soon."

Ying Tan, CEO at Habito, added: "Great to see Leeds being the first mover, off the back of positive inflation news last week. They might be the first but they certainly won't be the last as swap rates have fallen since Andrew Bailey's comments that base rate cuts are on their way."

According to Moneyfacts, the average two-year fixed residential mortgage rate today is 5.82%. The average five-year is 5.40%.

These are just averages - and many buyers or re-mortgagers will be able to secure something in the 4-5% range.

Regulator Ofgem has announced it is considering the future of its price cap.

The options on the table including a "more dynamic" limit, as well as "time-of-use dependent unit rates to encourage consumer flexibility".

The price cap was introduced in January 2019 to prevent people on variable tariffs being ripped off. Initially it changed a couple of times each year - but since 2022 it has been updated every three months.

This change was down to the Ukraine war helping drive up global energy prices - and the cap wasn't keeping up.

The flaws in the system were illustrated last winter when the cap went so high (£4,279) that the government intervened with its energy price guarantee, which capped average bills at £2,500 initially and then £3,000.

The current price cap is about to go down, so between 1 April and 30 June it will be £1,690 per year for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by direct debit.

The cap doesn't represent a maximum bill. Instead it creates an average bill by limiting how much you pay per unit of gas and electricity, as well as setting a maximum daily standing charge (which all households must pay to stay connected to the grid). 

Ofgem says it needs to adapt the system, as more households are switching onto "time-of-use" rates, which makes the universal cap "unsuitable for everyone".

Tim Jarvis, Ofgem's director general of retail and markets, said: "While the price cap played an important role in protecting consumers from the loyalty penalty that existed before its introduction, the energy market is changing as we move to net zero, and we recognise the systems we have in place may need to change too."

Six new airline routes will be available from Heathrow Airport this summer. 

More connections are being added to Abu Dhabi, Kos, Izmir, Bangalore, Barcelona and Paris-Orly.

The new routes are being offered by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling.

Here at the details on each... 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

British Airways will begin offering flights to Abu Dhabi from 20 April, adding to the one million passengers who visited from Heathrow last year.

Travellers will be able to check out the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's largest), experience desert safaris and engage in one of the main attractions here - shopping. 

Kos, Greece 

This route is returning for the first time since 2022, courtesy of British Airways. 

From 18 May, holidaymakers can book to see golden beaches and ancient ruins, while enjoying authentic Greek cuisine. 

Izmir, Turkey

For those wanting to explore the Aegean coast, British Airways is now offering flights from Heathrow to Izmir from 18 May. 

The Turkish city combines rich history with busy bazaars - and it's not far from the ancient city of Ephesus, ever popular with tourists. 

Bangalore, India

From 31 March, Virgin Atlantic is opening a route from Heathrow to Bangalore. 

The vibrant city is known as the "Silicon Valley of India", and is also known for being particularly vegan-friendly. 

Barcelona, Spain 

More flights are being offered to Barcelona from 7 April with Vueling. 

Passengers can enjoy a mix of city break and beach break - wandering the historic streets of the Gothic Quarter and exploring the Gaudi architecture before soaking up the sun on Barceloneta Beach. 

Paris-Orly, France

Vueling will also offer flights to Paris-Orly from Heathrow from 7 April - in time for the Olympics in the French capital this summer. 

This is the first time Heathrow has served the route to Paris-Orly since 2017. 

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    Figuring out when are flights cheapest and finding a great deal on flights can feel like a full-time job with all the changes in airfare, but use this general rule when booking: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to fly. The more popular the time to travel, the more expensive flights are likely to be.

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    The Best Days to Fly. Typically, these are the best days of the week to fly. Tuesdays. Wednesdays. Thursdays. Saturdays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best weekdays to fly. Thursday is a bit more expensive but still reasonable. Saturday is usually the cheapest weekend day to fly.

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  7. The Best / Worst Days To Fly or Book Flights [2023]

    Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the best days to fly domestically. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are the days with the highest cost and lowest number of award seats. There are two reasons for this, and both of them are relatively simple: business travel and vacations.

  8. These are the best times to buy an international flight

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  9. When it's cheapest to fly for the holidays

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  16. The Best Days Of The Week To Fly Right Now

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    Hopper's data shows that traveling from Tuesday to Tuesday or even Wednesday to Wednesday is 29% to 38% cheaper than departing and returning on busier weekend dates. For example, you can save up to $150 per ticket on average on a 7-day domestic trip, leaving and returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday. That savings can be as high as $169 per ticket ...

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    There are two days of the year that are the absolute most expensive days of the year, according to the CEO of FareCompare ― November 22nd and November 26th. Understandably, that's the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. If that's not bad enough, these expensive flying days get pricier by the day to the tune of 50 to 75 ...

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  29. Money blog: Heathrow announces six new routes; three UK tourist

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