It might be the middle of winter, but spring break is around the corner. Now is the best time to start tracking flight prices and planning your spring break travel, says Liana Corwin, a consumer travel expert with Hopper, an app that analyzes billions of flight and hotel prices.
“We found people can save up to 40% on their flight if they start tracking prices early,” she says.
Corwin says round-trip flights from the US will cost an average of $200 this spring, but if you track now, you’ll see significant savings when it’s time to book.
“You might want to book around 4-8 weeks in advance, but you want to start tracking prices earlier,” Corwin says. “Right now is definitely the right time to be looking at spring prices but the best time to book is going to be in the next couple of weeks.”
Corwin shared five destinations to track to get the best deals for spring break.
Washington, DC
The average cost of a (domestic) flight to Washington, D.C., is currently $225-$250 round-trip, and Corwin estimates travelers will see 35% savings by the time you’re ready to book 4-8 weeks ahead of your travel, dropping the price down to $162. With a plenty of free and educational activities in the nation’s capital, like the Smithsonian Museums or the National Zoo, D.C. is a great option for families.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is another family favorite, and round-trip flights are currently $200. By tracking the prices now, you’ll see a 32% price drop. When you’re ready to book, flights will be $136, Corwin says. Orlando boasts many theme parks, like Disney World, Epcot, and Universal Studios, and the warmer weather makes it a perfect getaway for family travelers.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Corwin says Hawaii is always a pricier destination, but flights to the islands are currently $430 for spring dates. If you wait to book until closer to your date of departure, you’ll save 26%, dropping your round-trip fare to $318. Corwin recommends taking shorter flights between the islands and exploring as much as you can: from the rainforest of Kauai to the cityscape of Honolulu, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Cancun, Mexico
If you’re hoping to fit an international trip into your travel itinerary, Hopper is predicting price drops of 30% to 40% for international travel from the U.S. Cancun is a great option for all travelers, because there are many all-inclusive resorts and family-friendly activities. Currently, flights are $300, but by tracking and waiting, you’ll score a deal up to 38% off.
Milan, Italy
If Italy has been on your travel radar, now is the time to go. With round-trip flights currently $500 – but expected to drop 25% – you can explore Milan for $375, Corwin says. Plus, once you arrive, the rest of Italy is at your fingertips. Corwin recommends taking the train to Lake Como in addition to exploring the museums and shopping in Milan.
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