The Time Might Be Right To Book A Cost-Cutting Summer Getaway

Fall is around the corner and school is getting started across the U.S., but that doesn’t mean you can’t still plan a last-minute vacation. And if you’re a little flexible, chances are you can plan a getaway that won’t break the bank.

Where to find the best deals

You probably remember some of the horror stories in the months after COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted. People were flocking to airports in droves to make up for the fact that they’d been cooped up in their homes for more than a year.

This fueled higher prices while also causing widespread flight delays and complications. But that boom appears to have fizzled out, and now travel-related industries are hoping to attract business by slashing prices.

• Airline tickets are between 5% and 6% cheaper, on average, than they were last year
• Auto rental prices have also dropped by roughly 6% during the same period
• Hotels haven’t really gotten cheaper, but the average room price hasn’t gone up

And these are just the averages. If you know how to game the system, you can take advantage of some even bigger savings.

Don’t be afraid to be impulsive

Even though weeks or months of anticipation before a vacation can be fun, it’s also exciting (and surprisingly affordable) to plan a last-minute getaway.

Given the current market situation, airlines and other industries are offering deep discounts, free upgrades, and other extras to those who can fill openings on short notice.

In addition to reduced airfare or car rental rates, savvy shoppers can score nicer rooms, comped meals, and other perks by renting vacant hotel rooms.

A travel agent can help find some of these benefits, but you can also do your own research with various online services like Google Flights that identify the lowest prices available.

Chris Agee August 12th, 2024

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