Summer Travel Is Likely to Remain Hot This Year So Book Early
Summer Travel Is Likely to Remain Hot This Year So Book Early.Summer travel last year was in a wild ride, with pent-up demand driving up prices for flights, hotels and car rentals. It’s likely to remain hot this year so book early if you’re planning to take a vacation soon.
To help you plan your next trip, we’ve rounded up some of the best deals for summer travel right now. Whether you’re looking for an international destination or a fun American city, there are plenty of options.
- Book Early
Despite the fact that travel is likely to remain hot this year, it’s still a good idea to book your vacation well in advance. Not only will this ensure you get the best rates for your trip, but it can also help you save money on some of the more costly activities and excursions you might enjoy on your vacation.
Many of the popular summer destinations are already crowded, so it’s important to book your trip early if you want to avoid having to share your favorite travel spot with dozens of other people. That can lead to some headaches, such as finding a hotel room with an available bed or being unable to book a rental car.
But there are some destinations you can visit this summer that are relatively uncrowded and will provide a relaxing, tranquil experience. Some of these are closer to home in North America, while others are located in Europe and Asia.
- Book a Hotel
If you’re planning a summer vacation, be sure to book your hotel early. Hotels tend to get booked up in the summer, and the prices can be steep — but it’s possible to find a bargain if you know where to look.
A recent study by TripAdvisor looked at hotel booking data from nine regions around the world and 25 popular city destinations for June, July and August. It found that booking within two months of your summer trip can save 7% compared to peak rates.
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel, try traveling early in the morning or late at night. That’s when the air is coolest, which makes it easier to enjoy your time away. If you’re staying at a resort, be sure to ask about room options with AC. If you’re driving, pack a small travel fan for some relief. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water during your trip!
- Book a Rental Car
Whether you’re taking an international vacation or planning a weekend getaway near your home, a rental car is likely to be a requirement for your travel plans. But if you’re going to book a vehicle this summer, you’ll want to do so as early as possible.
This year, rental-car prices are expected to be up 60% compared with pre-pandemic numbers, according to Jonathan Weinberg, founder of AutoSlash. He said the biggest reason for this is that demand is higher than ever before.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable way to get from point A to point B, consider using a peer-to-peer car rental service like Turo or Getaround.
These services are operated by local people who post their cars for rent on a per-day basis, and they’ve seen an increase in popularity recently. But it’s important to look closely at insurance coverage.
- Book a Flight
The cost of flights has been climbing throughout the year, but it’s still possible to find deals. The best way to do that is to book early.
According to travel experts, the ideal window for booking a flight is one to two months out for domestic trips and six to eight months out for international trips. This is especially true for popular travel dates like spring break and summer travel periods, as well as for events like Mardi Gras or big music festivals.
While there are many factors that can influence airfares, the main factor is demand. If there is high demand for a particular route or date, airlines will charge a higher price to get as much traffic onboard.
If you have the time and budget, booking midweek departures is a great way to maximize savings. For both domestic and international trips, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday will almost always yield cheaper prices than a Friday or Saturday.