When Is The Best Time To Book An International Trip?

If you’re thinking of setting off on an international trip in the near future, you may be wondering about the best time to book a flight. There are a few things to consider when planning your trip — choosing the right time to book can snag you the best deal possible and help you get the most out of your holiday overseas. In this blog, we’ll look at some essential factors you should consider when booking your flight and hotel.

3 factors that determine the best time to book a flight

Are you saving for a holiday and have your heart set on heading overseas? But when is the best time to book a flight? There’s no easy answer to that question because depending on your destination, time of year, and other factors, the best time to buy a ticket can vary widely. However, there are a few general tips that can help you save money on airfare:

1. Your destination

The best time to book a flight depends mainly on where you plan to fly. Different locales have different “high” and “low” seasons, affecting airfare and accommodation prices. For example, travel to Europe is more expensive in the summer months and around the school holidays. You’ll often find far better deals if you book during the shoulder season — late spring or early autumn. These are the best times to book a flight by region:

• Canada — Cheapest in February and March, most expensive in August and December
• Mexico — Cheapest in January and February, most expensive in August and December
• Caribbean — Cheapest in September and October, most expensive in July and December
• Central America — Cheapest in September and October, most expensive in July and December
• South America — Cheapest in September, October and May, most expensive in July and December
• South Pacific — Cheapest in January and April, most expensive in October and November
• Asia — Cheapest in January and April, most expensive in August and December
• Europe — Cheapest in October and November, most expensive in May and June
• Africa & Middle East — Cheapest in October and November, most expensive in July and December

2. How early can you book?

Airlines typically release their cheapest tickets about three months before departure. Generally, the earlier you book, the better the price — but this isn’t always the case. If you have the flexibility, it’s worth checking fares for a few different departure dates to see if you can find a cheaper flight. For domestic trips, aim to book your airfare at least 45 days to two months before you fly, and for international flights, give yourself around two to six months to secure the best deal. Always avoid booking within 30 to 45 days before your flight — and stay outside of peak booking season, which runs from June through to early August.

3. The departure day

If you can, try to avoid booking your departure for a Friday or Saturday, as these are typically the most expensive days to fly. Instead, aim for mid-week; you’re likely to find better deals on flights departing on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Contrary to what you might think, the day you make the booking doesn’t matter. Many people believe that the cheapest day and time to book flights is on a Tuesday evening — but in reality, there are no best days to book flights since airfare pricing is constantly changing.

Trust Pulse Travel to find you the best airfare deal

So, when is the best time to book a flight? There’s no single answer to that question, but with a little planning and preparation, you can set off on your dream vacation without breaking the bank. At Pulse Travel, you’ll always save time and money with our curated corporate, leisure and group travel packages. If you have any questions, get in touch with us to find out more.