Summer is right around the corner, meaning many eager travelers are ready to pack their bags and head to the airport for a much-needed vacation.
According to a Skyscanner 2025 report, people should act quickly with booking their summer travel plans because 88% of Americans want a change of scenery in the coming months, but don’t want to sacrifice their wallets — so the demand is there.
The travel booking site revealed that the best travel week to get the best bang for your buck is August 25- 31.
And considering 85% of US travelers are willing to alter their travel plans if it’ll save them money — you might want to plan a trip during that August week ASAP before coveted destinations and flights book up and prices inevitably increase.
If that week doesn’t work for your travel plans, the report also stated that it’s cheapest to embark on a trip midweek.
On Wednesdays, the average summer airfare can cost around $878. Which is ultimately cheaper compared to summer weekend airfare, which will most likely be more expensive, according to the site.
35% of people in the study admitted they don’t know where to vacation, so if you’re one of them — Skyscanner listed 10 of the most budget-friendly destinations to consider.
- Wilmington, NC
- Hilo, HI
- Atlanta, GA
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- New Orleans, LA
- Cincinnati, OH
- Asheville, NC
- Tampa, FL
- Denver, CO
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
Another way to travel and not break the bank this summer is to vacation during the shoulder season — which is typically early June and late September.
While these months usually see smaller crowds at popular tourist spots and cheaper flights and hotels, don’t dilly-dally when booking because, according to Skyscanner, 33% of Americans want to save their PTO for a trip during this off-beat time.
The study found that, in June, you can hop on a flight to Miami for a little over $200. In September, you can visit San Francisco, CA, for less than $300.
If you’d prefer to go abroad — you can visit Paris, France, or even Dublin, Ireland, inexpensively in either June or September.
According to the Wall Street Journal, it’s recommended to book six to eight weeks ahead for domestic travel and three to five months for any international trip.
If you’re looking to take things a step further and really save some cash on an upcoming trip, according to the outlet, booking via a travel agent can make your life easier and save you money.
You’ll pay a small fee for them to do the legwork for you, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.