As spring blooms, it's time to turn your thoughts to summer vacation planning, says Hopper, the online booking site.
Recent data from Hopper reveals promising trends for travelers in the coming months. Airfares are slightly lower compared to 2023, while hotel and car rental prices have remained relatively stable year-over-year.
Here's what you need to know as you gear up to book your next trip, whether it's a domestic getaway or an overseas adventure. And don't worry if you're a bit late to the game – there are still deals to be found on last-minute trips.
**Airfare Insights for Spring and Summer**:
- Domestic flights within the U.S. are currently offering the best deals, with round-trip tickets averaging $290 in April. However, prices are expected to rise in the coming months.
- Hopper's data indicates that domestic flight prices will peak between May and June, reaching an average of $315, before gradually declining through the summer. By September, prices are forecasted to hit an average low of $264.
- Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian notes that summer travel demand has shifted forward in recent years, partly due to schools, especially in the South, ending their summer breaks earlier.
**International Travel Outlook**:
- This summer presents a favorable time for international travel, with fares to most overseas destinations down compared to last year.
- While airfares to major international regions have decreased, fares to Canada remain high due to persistent fuel prices and ongoing capacity rebuilding by airlines.
**Hotel Rates for Spring and Summer**:
- Hotel prices have remained relatively steady compared to last year, with average rates in the U.S. at $206 per night.
- Some trending international destinations like Osaka, Japan, and Istanbul, Turkey, offer better deals on accommodations.
**Car Rental Expectations**:
- Car rental prices have seen minimal increases since last year, averaging $42 per day.
- Warm-weather destinations such as Orlando and Los Angeles continue to be popular pickup points for car rentals, with most travelers renting a car for about four days.
In summary, as you plan your spring and summer getaways, keep an eye out for the best deals on airfares, accommodations, and car rentals. Whether you're exploring domestic locales or venturing abroad, there are opportunities to make the most of your travel budget.
