Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re planning a getaway to find love, unwind, or simply boost your mood, there are ways to make it more affordable.

A Deloitte 2024 summer travel survey reports that 31% of people felt travel was too expensive this year, up from 24% in 2023. On the bright side, though, airfare prices have actually fallen a bit. Domestic flights fell by 1%, and international flights by 4%.

A new report from Expedia and the Airlines Reporting Corp has busted some of the biggest travel myths, offering insights on how to save even more.

Is it true that summer is the most expensive time to travel?

Many make the assumption that summertime means astronomical travel prices, but here's the thing: February and March are actually sky-high, and August is pretty much free.

A domestic flight can save as much as 12% when traveling in August vs. February.

An international flight, by comparison, saves as much as 7% in August compared to March.

So, if you’re looking for a summer getaway, consider planning it for late summer instead of early in the season.

What’s the best day to book a flight?

You might have heard that Tuesday is the cheapest day to book flights, but that’s actually a myth. Research shows that Sunday is the best day to grab a deal.

Booking on Sunday saves you about 6% on domestic flights, and 17% on international tickets as compared to buying them on Monday or Friday, which are the costliest days.

The day when you fly also makes a difference: 

Domestic flights can be the cheapest on Saturdays, this saves about 17%.

International flights can be the cheapest on Thursdays, with 15% savings.

Are airports always busy?

If you’re looking to avoid long lines and crowded terminals, the quietest time to travel is Tuesdays and in the month of February.

The time of day also matters—flights scheduled between 9am and 3pm are 22% less likely to be canceled than early morning or late-night flights.

Does booking far in advance guarantee the best price?

While planning ahead is smart, booking too early doesn’t always mean the best deal.

For domestic flights, the sweet spot is 63 to 72 days before departure, which can save you up to 16%.

For international flights, booking 43 to 54 days in advance can help you save up to 5%.

So, while it's tempting to lock in travel plans months ahead, waiting for the right window can save you money.

With a little planning and the right timing, you can enjoy your dream vacation without overspending. From choosing the right month to fly, booking on a Sunday, and picking the best days to travel, these simple tweaks can make a big difference in your budget.

Now that you know the best travel tricks, where will you go next?

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