Vacation flights are more affordable than you think – and the best part is, there's still time to score a great deal, whether you're visiting family or starting a new tradition of traveling more .
This idea comes from a recent Kayak studywhich analyzed holiday travel trends and identified the best times to book flights, as well as the most affordable destinations in November and December.
“Good news: Holiday airfares are down across the board” the report declared. “Thanksgiving prices fell 6%, while the December holiday is down 9% this year. » This trend applies to both domestic and international travel, and the company recommends booking no later than the end of October to get the best deals on holiday flights.
The study found that Minneapolis was overall the cheapest U.S. city to travel to, with average round-trip tickets costing about $350 through the end of the year. Other top Thanksgiving destinations under $400 for round-trip tickets include Denver, Chicago, Seattle and Atlanta.
For those traveling from late December to early January, several domestic and international destinations offer attractive flight deals:
- Nashville: $393
- Atlanta: $400
- New York: $417
- Las Vegas: $422
- Nassau: $633
- Mexico City: $688
- Tulum: $712
- Iceland: $715
- Cancun: $784
The study leveraged its own booking data to make year-over-year comparisons, highlighting airfare price trends for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's Eve. The study also examined travel search history between November 17, 2023 and January 3, 2024, to identify the best time to book for this year's holiday season, based on average round-trip fares in economy class obtained six months in advance.
Another recent study by travel app Going found that travelers looking to save on plane tickets should avoid flying on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday and Monday before Christmas. Additionally, those traveling during the holidays can save up to 25% on ticket prices, providing an even better deal for budget-conscious travelers.
