Whether it’s a long-haul adventure or a short domestic trip to visit family, timing can make all the difference when it comes to securing the best deals.
KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, has released its Christmas & New Year Travel Check In report, revealing intriguing insights about the most affordable travel dates this holiday season.
The report, which meticulously analyses flight prices for domestic, European, and long-haul travel, offers a comprehensive year-on-year comparison that can help savvy travellers maximise their savings.
Highlighting the standout destinations for the festive period, travellers might be surprised by the huge savings those who plan their trips ahead can benefit from.
For those considering long-haul flights outside Europe, departing on New Year’s Eve (December 31) emerges as the most economical option, potentially saving travellers up to 28 percent compared to other dates. This date is not only wallet-friendly but also notably quieter at airports, allowing for a more relaxed departure.
Conversely, if you prefer to avoid chaos at any cost, it’s advisable to steer clear of December 20, which is expected to be the busiest travel day, accompanied by a significant price hike of 24 percent on average.
For those returning to the UK, flying on Boxing Day could lead to savings of 24 percent, while prices soar on January 4, with fares increasing by a staggering 30 percent due to school holidays and work commitments.
When it comes to travelling within Europe, the report reveals that December 16 is the best date to depart, offering savings of around 22 percent on flight tickets.
In contrast, December 28 will see costs rise by an average of 21 percent, making it a less attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
For domestic journeys, December 30 stands out as the most affordable date, with flights 11 percent cheaper than on other festive dates.
However, December 20 is another peak day to avoid, as ticket prices could rise by 19 percent.
KAYAK’s best value departure date (Savings vs average day)
Domestic
December 30, 2024 (-11 percent)
Europe
December 16, 2024 (-22 percent)
International outside Europe
December 31, 2024 (-28 percent)
KAYAK’s worst value departure date (Spendings vs average day)
Domestic
December 20, 2024 (+19 percent)
Europe
December 28, 2024 (+21 percent)
International outside Europe
December 20, 2024 (+24 percent)