{"id":617,"date":"2025-01-20T10:36:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T10:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/your-frugal-travel-calendar-for-the-year-ahead\/"},"modified":"2025-01-20T10:36:01","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T10:36:01","slug":"your-frugal-travel-calendar-for-the-year-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/your-frugal-travel-calendar-for-the-year-ahead\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Frugal Travel Calendar for the Year Ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-0\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Traveling off-season, booking early, playing with flexible dates and going somewhere off the beaten path are tried-and-true budget travel strategies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">But each year brings traffic patterns and perennial sales that can cue savvy travelers on when to book and when to travel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Whatever the timing, it pays to shop for travel during low-demand spots on the calendar well in advance; that means usually booking domestic airfares 30 to 60 days out and international trips three to five months in advance. Reserve lodgings ahead, too, but make sure they are refundable so that if prices drop you can rebook at the lower rate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Caveats notwithstanding, the following are key times to put on your calendar for the best buys in travel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-1\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<h2 class=\"css-1u37br4 eoo0vm40\" id=\"link-1fd8d1af\">January and February: \u2018The best months\u2019<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The year kicks off with two of the cheapest months to travel \u2014 outside of ski destinations, anyhow.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Most travelers have returned from holiday travel and kids are back in school, leaving those with flexible schedules a lot of leeway on where to go at low prices.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cPrices are some of the lowest that you see throughout the year,\u201d said Hayley Berg, the chief economist at the travel booking app <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/hopper.com\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Hopper<\/a>, \u201cand it\u2019s a time of year where you can even book last-minute airfare, and still often get a deal.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">For trips in January and February, fliers can expect to spend 15 percent less on flights and 45 percent less on hotel rooms compared with summer rates, according to the online travel agency <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Expedia<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">During those months, cities like <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/washington.org\/places-to-eat\/guide-to-restaurant-week-washington-dc\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Washington<\/a> and <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.choosechicago.com\/chicago-theatre-week\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago<\/a> lure visitors with dining and theater events in which meals and shows are discounted. New York now combines its dining, Broadway and hotel promotions in a single event, the <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyctourism.com\/nyc-winter-outing\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">NYC Winter Outing<\/a>, Jan. 21 to Feb. 9.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cMy tip for finding the off-season in any destination is to Google a city and \u2018restaurant week,\u2019\u201d said Samantha Brown, the host of the PBS travel show \u201c<a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/show\/samantha-browns-places-love\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Places to Love<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-2\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The period right after New Year\u2019s isn\u2019t just a good time to travel, but also to book trips further out. You may see tour sales \u2014 <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.exodustravels.com\/us\/new-year-offer\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Exodus Adventure Travels<\/a> has one through Jan. 20 \u2014 and <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.omio.com\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Omio<\/a>, the transportation booking app that covers trains, buses and ferries as well as flights, says January is the last chance to find low fares for European travel in May, June and July.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1u37br4 eoo0vm40\" id=\"link-621f6196\">\u2018Wave season\u2019 in cruising<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Sales in the cruise industry crest in the first quarter, January through March. This is wave season, when cruise lines issue some of their biggest booking incentives of the year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The offers aim to reach travelers as they are planning their summer vacations in a season when the promise of life at sea is more alluring than the views at home.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Deals often take the form of inclusions or upgrades, but discounts can be found, too. <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en\/us\/cruise-deals\/start-your-journey-sale\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Holland America Line<\/a> released its wave season sale this year in December, offering departures from $129 per person per day in an upgraded cabin with a balcony. <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.princess.com\/en-us\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Princess<\/a> has deals up to 40 percent off and $99 refundable deposits.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The early bookings get ships off to a good start occupancy-wise and enable them to resist slashing future rates to fill cabins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-3\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cGiven the continued increase in travel overall and particularly in cruising, planning ahead can net a huge savings,\u201d said Jenn Lee, the president of <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/vacationplannersfranchise.com\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Vacation Planners<\/a>, a travel agency network.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1u37br4 eoo0vm40\" id=\"link-478bdb49\">\u2018Dead weeks\u2019<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Busy spring breaks and busier summers seem to crowd out deals in prime months. But here and there, throughout the year, lie a few sweet spots that the travel industry calls dead weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cDead weeks are defined by a total lull in travel when hotels and airfare are markedly lower,\u201d Ms. Brown said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">If you plan in advance, she added, airfares can be half off and hotels about a third off.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Pockets of opportunity pepper the calendar. Expedia calls out the first week of March\u202f\u2014 roughly between Presidents\u2019 Day and the onset of spring break \u2014 and the last week of April, for cheaper and less busy flights.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The last two weeks of August can offer bargains, too, as long as you avoid Labor Day weekend. Late August fares average $140 less than peak summer fares, according to Expedia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-4\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">But the biggest dead period is right after Thanksgiving and before Christmas, a trough between peaks. There are exceptions \u2014 for example, European Christmas market destinations \u2014 but even among these, the first week of December can be a better time to visit before the holiday shopping throngs arrive.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Consider a Caribbean vacation just before or just after Thanksgiving, advises Andrew Hedley, the director of business development at <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/tamarindhills.com\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Tamarind Hills<\/a> resort in Antigua.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cThe festive spirit begins to stir, but you\u2019ll avoid the premium prices and packed resorts that come with the holidays,\u201d Mr. Hedley said.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1u37br4 eoo0vm40\" id=\"link-2e24282e\">The fall price slump<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Travel booking sites say airfares generally peak in June. But they usually come back down by September. Low fares tend to run through October. (Remember to book in advance to get the best deals).<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cThe best time of the year, hands down, for domestic and most international trips is September and October when the prices typically drop about 30 percent of where they are in June,\u201d said Ms. Berg, of Hopper.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-5\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">According to the booking platform <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vrbo.com\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Vrbo<\/a>, September is among the cheapest months to stay in a vacation rental.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The reliability of fall as a better buy is being eroded in some destinations as travelers seek to escape the crowds and heat associated with summer travel. In a recent report, the high-end tour company <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kensingtontours.com\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Kensington<\/a> said fall reservations in Europe rose nearly 5 percent over summer bookings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Beware of weather risks in tropical destinations in the fall, which coincides with the last few months of hurricane season.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"css-1u37br4 eoo0vm40\" id=\"link-445ed51e\">Year-end deals<\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">As a travel event, Black Friday has exploded in recent years as travel companies try to attract shoppers in the season of spending. Black Friday sales often start in early November and run through Cyber Week, or the week after Thanksgiving, which includes Travel Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Between Black Friday and Travel Tuesday, airfares run 25 to 30 percent below flights usually departing in January through May, according to <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/dollarflightclub.com\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Dollar Flight Club<\/a>, a membership service that specializes in cheap airfares.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-6\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cThe sweet spot for these deals is international flights, especially to Europe, Asia and the Caribbean, where airlines compete to attract early planners,\u201d said Jesse Neugarten, the founder and chief executive of Dollar Flight Club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">If Bermuda is on your list, check out the destination\u2019s annual <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gotobermuda.com\/pink-sale\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Pink Sale<\/a>, which starts in late December and runs through January. Hotel offers tend to run 25 to 35 percent off for travel dates throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Travel agents call Christmas and New Year\u2019s weeks \u201cfestive season,\u201d when travel prices tend to spike with holiday traffic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">But if you\u2019re looking for a bargain city hotel, try the week leading up to Christmas. At <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hoteltonight.com\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">HotelTonight<\/a>, an app for last-minute hotel deals in 94 countries, rates on Christmas Eve go for about 37 percent less than they do on New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"css-7ad88g e1mu4ftr0\"\/>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\"><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">Follow New York Times Travel <\/em><\/strong><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">on <\/em><a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nytimestravel\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">Instagram<\/em><\/a><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\"> and <\/em><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter<\/em><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\"> to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our <\/em><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">52 Places to Go in 2025<\/em><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<p><script async defer src=\"https:\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Traveling off-season, booking early, playing with flexible dates and going somewhere off the beaten path are tried-and-true budget travel strategies. But each year brings traffic patterns and perennial sales that can cue savvy travelers on when to book and when to travel. Whatever the timing, it pays to shop for travel during low-demand spots on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":618,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[233,267,265,266,268],"class_list":["post-617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-loan","tag-ahead","tag-calendar","tag-frugal","tag-travel","tag-year"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=617"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/617\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/618"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=617"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=617"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}