As summer winds down, fall presents a prime opportunity for travelers seeking bargains. With lower airfares and hotel prices during this season, savvy travelers can score fantastic deals. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of fall travel discounts.
Timing Is Key: Best Periods for Deals
Traditionally, the period between Labor Day and mid-November is considered shoulder season, a time of lower travel demand. This lull leads to reduced prices for airfare and accommodations. According to travel experts, the week following Labor Day is the best time to find deals on domestic flights. For those planning international trips, October 20 is ideal, coinciding with the start of the popular leaf-peeping season.
Fall Airfare Trends
Data from Expedia indicates that fall airfares are typically 10% lower than summer ticket prices. Travelers can save even more—up to 15%—by booking flights on Mondays or Saturdays. Hopper’s analysis shows that the average domestic airfare in September is around $240, which is an 8% decrease from the previous year. International fares to various regions remain favorable, offering significant savings.
Affordable Destinations
Some destinations offer particularly good deals this fall. For budget-conscious travelers within the U.S., cities like Seattle, Honolulu, and Denver are attractive options. For international travelers, cities like Toronto, Santo Domingo, and London provide excellent value.
Hotel and Rental Car Deals
Despite a slight increase in hotel prices since 2019, the average rate remains reasonable at $161 per night. As for road trips, gas prices are down nearly 10% from August 2023, and car rental prices are either flat or slightly decreased, making fall a more affordable time for travel by car.
Top Tips for Scoring the Best Fall Travel Deals
To make the most of fall travel savings, follow these expert tips:
1.Set Price Alerts: Use tools that alert you when prices drop for your preferred flights.
2.Choose Morning Flights: These are often cheaper and less prone to delays or cancellations.
3.Book Refundable Hotels: Paying a bit more for flexibility can be worthwhile if your plans change.
4.Bundle Flights and Hotels: Combining bookings can lead to additional savings.
By taking advantage of these strategies and timing your travel plans right, fall can become the best season for exploring new places without breaking the bank. Happy travels!
