Smart Travel Savings for Summer

Summer holidays aren’t cheap; however, with smart planning, you could save your pennies for gelato and spritzes once you reach your destination. iBestTravel editors constantly explore the best ways to travel affordably, uncovering effective strategies to maximize your travel budget.

Skyscanner, a user-friendly search engine for comparing flight prices across multiple airlines and destinations, has introduced a new “Savings Generator” tool. This innovative tool employs data analysis to provide insights into the cheapest travel times, optimal booking times, and best-value destinations.

Optimal Travel Weeks for 2024

For summer 2024, Skyscanner has identified the ideal week for travelers to fly in order to save money. The data indicates that “UK travellers can save 17 percent by opting to travel during the week commencing 19 August instead of the week commencing 22 July, resulting in an average saving of up to £268 for a family of four.”

Booking Trends Among UK Travellers

Moreover, the data reveals that over 40 percent of Brits planning a summer holiday have yet to book their flights, and among these, 30 percent are actively seeking the best deals. In addition, 23 percent are waiting for last-minute opportunities before making a purchase.

Expensive Travel Periods

In the UK, the most popular time to travel is during the first two weeks of July, which coincidentally aligns with Skyscanner’s findings confirming this period as the most expensive time to travel.

New Legislation and Travel Planning

Following the recent UK government budget announcement, a new measure states that, starting from August 2024, parents will incur a minimum fine of £80 for taking their children out of school for holiday purposes. This initiative aims to “deter truancy and improve attendance.” Although this legislation may draw criticism from many families, it can still motivate travelers to be strategic about their holiday dates and find opportunities to save money.

Best Times to Book Popular Destinations

Furthermore, Skyscanner has researched the optimal booking times for various popular destinations. For instance, travelers planning a trip to Corfu this July should book six weeks in advance to secure the best rates, while those eyeing a Portuguese getaway to Faro should consider booking a substantial 15 weeks ahead.