Summer 2023: Save money by booking your big vacation at the right time

Nobody wants to break the bank to go on vacation. Therefore, most travelers, whether in France or abroad, are on the lookout for good deals, discounts, and promotions to fly at lower costs. It's never pleasant to spend almost all of your vacation budget on plane tickets or accommodation.

Did you know that by selecting your booking dates carefully, you can make significant savings? Some people think that the best time to book a vacation is several months in advance. Others say that you should wait until the very last minute, just a few days before departure, to book your plane tickets and hotels.

Some globetrotters choose their destinations based on their vacation dates, while others prefer to do the opposite. In reality, there is no single configuration that allows you to travel cheaper every time. But it's important to keep in mind that the choice of destinations will have a significant impact on the total cost of your summer vacation 2023.

1. When to book a vacation for a destination in Europe? 🇪🇺

Europe is full of destinations to discover during the summer season. If you want to enjoy the sun and sea swimming, you can opt for the south of France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, but also Greece or Croatia. You can also take advantage of summer vacation 2022 to visit northern countries such as Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, the Baltic countries or Iceland.

City breaks have been particularly popular in Europe lately. Big cities like Budapest, Barcelona, Lisbon, London, Dublin, Prague, Berlin… (and the list is far from exhaustive) are attractive because of their rich cultural heritage and lively nightlife.

To fully enjoy your next vacation, note that specialists consider that the best time to book your vacation in Europe is between 3 and 7 months before the trip. You will then benefit from an average of 25% discount on the entire trip, both on plane tickets and hotels. As for cities that receive few tourists in July and August, such as Paris or London, you can wait until the last few weeks to book and get more advantageous rates than the rest of the year.

2. When to book flights to North America? 🌎

North America remains one of the favorite destinations for French and European travelers, especially the United States. Who hasn't dreamed of visiting New York or San Francisco, exploring the Grand Canyon or discovering California's vineyards? Canada is the other great country in North America that attracts many tourists, especially because of its francophilia. Summer is the only time of year when you can enjoy pleasant temperatures.

If you want to go to North America for your summer vacation 2022, you don't have to book too far in advance. It is even recommended to wait two months before departure to book your flights to the United States.

Here, last-minute offers are more numerous than elsewhere during the summer season. For some American metropolises, you will enjoy significant discounts on your summer vacation if you take your tickets at the last minute. This is the case, for example, in New York and Washington, as well as in Miami, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia.

3. What strategy for those who want to visit South America or Asia? 🌏

South America and Asia are more exotic destinations than Europe and North America. They are therefore very popular with the French who want to take advantage of their vacation to live a disorienting experience.

In South America, you will discover a unique natural, historical, and cultural heritage, especially on the side of the Andes Mountains, Peru, and Bolivia. Brazil and Argentina, and especially Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, are countries where life is good.

As for Asia, popular destinations are numerous and very varied: Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia (Bali), Cambodia…

The best time to book your vacation in South America is 4 months in advance. You will have discounts on flights and hotels of up to 20%. For a city like Tokyo, on the other hand, it is recommended to book your trip during the month before departure. This will allow you to take advantage of discounts reducing the total price by 30% of your stay.

4. When is the best time to book a vacation in the Caribbean? 🌎

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Caribbean represents paradise on earth for many French and Europeans. White sand beaches, coconut trees, colorful cocktails, and a wealth of underwater biodiversity… Everything is there for a refreshing break in the Caribbean.

Among the most popular destinations are Guadeloupe, Martinique, the French and Dutch Antilles, as well as the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, or Cuba. Caribbean vacation specialists recommend that travelers book their hotels and plane tickets during a period between one and four months before the travel dates. This time frame is the best time to book your vacation in the Caribbean, as it will allow you to save about 10% on the amount of your summer vacation. You will then be able to make the most of the wonders that the region and its inhabitants have to offer.

 

Also read | Summer 2022: Top trendy destinations in France and abroad

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