Traveling smart isn’t just about where you go—it’s also about when you go. Picking the right time of year can save you hundreds on flights, hotels, and attractions while letting you enjoy your destination with fewer crowds and better deals. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or an international getaway, timing is everything. Here’s how to make it work in your favor.
- Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Shoulder season refers to the sweet spot between peak and off-peak periods. During these weeks, demand drops, prices fall, and the weather often remains favorable.
- Europe: Late April to early June, and mid-September to October
- Southeast Asia: May to early July, and November
- U.S. National Parks: April–May or September–October
Airfare and hotel rates are typically 20–40% lower during these months. Use Google Flights and Hopper to identify price trends and time your bookings accordingly.
- Avoid Holiday Travel Unless You Book Far in Advance
Major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving are the most expensive times to travel. Unless you’re booking 3–6 months ahead, expect inflated prices and limited availability.
Instead, consider traveling immediately after a holiday. For example:
- Fly on December 26 for post-Christmas deals
- Travel the week after New Year’s for lower prices and empty airports
- Book during “dead weeks,” like the first week of February or early September
- Fly Midweek and Stay Over Sunday
Flight pricing fluctuates significantly based on the day of the week. Midweek flights—especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays—tend to be the cheapest. Adding a Sunday night stay can also lower hotel rates, as weekend crowds start to leave.
Combine this with loyalty program rates from hotels like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy for deeper discounts.
- Book at the Right Time
- Domestic flights: Book 1–3 months in advance
- International flights: Book 2–6 months in advance
- Hotels: Book 1–2 months in advance, or last-minute for spontaneous deals
For last-minute trips, apps like HotelTonight and Priceline Express Deals can help you find reduced rates on quality accommodations.
- Use Cashback Tools to Boost Savings
No matter the season, you can still stretch your budget further by using gift card cashback platforms like Fluz. Instead of paying directly at checkout, use Fluz to:
- Earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card during travel days or layovers
- Get rewards with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card on game nights in a new city
- Save on Marriott stays using gift cards and reduce your lodging costs
- Earn cashback with an Uber gift card for safe and flexible transport wherever you go
Since Fluz allows you to buy cards in real time, you can adapt to spontaneous bookings and still earn rewards instantly.
- Travel During Low-Demand Windows
Some of the cheapest travel windows include:
- Mid-January through early March: post-holiday slump
- Early May: pre-summer lull
- Late August to mid-September: back-to-school gap
- First two weeks of December: between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Use fare tracking tools like Skyscanner or Airfarewatchdog to stay ahead of price changes.
Final Thoughts
Great travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune—it just needs smart timing. By avoiding peak periods, booking in advance, and using tools like Fluz to earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card or save on Marriott stays using gift cards, you can take full control of your travel budget. Timing isn’t everything—but when it comes to saving money on travel, it might be the most important thing.
