Traveling smartly can save you a bundle! Did you know that choosing the right day to fly can significantly impact your vacation budget? Experts reveal that flying on a Wednesday instead of a Sunday can save you an average of Dh279.15 per ticket.
According to Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, the best time to score lower prices on airfares, accommodations, and tourist activities in the summer is from late July to August. During this period, airlines and hotels in the GCC region often reduce prices due to decreased demand caused by extreme weather conditions.
Pittie highlights that the last week of July is the cheapest time to fly out, with airfares approximately 8% lower than the summer average. For even better deals, he suggests starting your flight search on Tuesdays around midnight, where savings of about 6% on airfare are possible.
Despite the potential savings, a recent poll by SkyScanner found that while 56% of UAE travelers are aware of cheaper travel weeks and days during the summer, only 3% actually take advantage of them. Meanwhile, 53% of travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are increasingly opting for European destinations this year, possibly due to a 4% decline in North American travel, influenced by a strong US dollar.
Ayoub El Mamoun, a travel expert at SkyScanner, advises travelers to stay flexible with their travel times, especially during peak periods like the start of July when prices are typically high. Being open to less popular destinations or adjusting departure times can lead to significant savings.
Timing is crucial when booking flights, notes El Mamoun, with the sweet spot for booking international trips being between 6 to 12 weeks in advance. He also points out that airlines operate on fare classes, where early bookings often secure lower prices before higher fare classes open up.
For those planning peak season trips (June to September), Pittie recommends booking at least 45 days in advance to capitalize on early booking discounts and ensure availability. Traveling to offbeat destinations during off-peak seasons can also cut costs and reduce crowds.
In addition to these tips, Pittie encourages travelers to leverage credit card points and travel rewards to further stretch their budgets and enhance their travel experiences.
By following these strategies, savvy travelers can enjoy more affordable and rewarding vacations while making the most of their travel budgets.
