Summertime is vacation time – but travel in 2024 appears to be more expensive than in previous years. This assessment makes many potential vacationers hesitate to finalize their travel plans. A study by global travel app Skyscanner in collaboration with OnePoll reveals that almost half of respondents have not yet booked their summer vacation. The reason? Uncertainty about travel dates, destinations and, above all, costs. But despite the seemingly rising price level, there are ways to get a bargain this year too. Skyscanner has put together a wealth of savings tips and presents a new savings calculator that provides average prices for popular travel destinations as well as optimal booking times.
Analysis of the data reveals that the third week of August is, on average, the cheapest week for summer vacation. Surprisingly, however, only a few people take advantage of this knowledge, although 36 percent of those surveyed are aware of the existence of cheaper travel times. A decision that is worth it, as it turns out: German travelers can save up to 20 percent on average by postponing their vacation for just a few weeks, which means a saving of up to 334 euros for a family of four.
For those who are still hesitant, the best time to book is an important consideration. Skyscanner's updated savings calculator offers a detailed insight into price developments and recommends optimal booking times for various travel destinations. For example, travelers planning to visit Turkey in July should book eight weeks in advance, while for Albania, 11 weeks in advance is recommended. In general, the earlier you book, the greater the savings potential.
But it's not just the time of booking that is crucial, but also the choice of travel destination. Skyscanner identifies popular destinations with a significant decrease in prices compared to the previous year. For example, Dubrovnik recorded a price decrease of 19 percent, followed by Pula with 16 percent and Rome with 14 percent. These price drops offer vacationers the opportunity to enjoy high-quality travel experiences at a lower price.
For those who think that flights in July and August are unaffordable, Skyscanner also offers solutions. The "Everywhere" search in the Skyscanner app presents travelers with a variety of destinations at low prices. This feature encourages the exploration of new places, often at a fraction of the cost of classic holiday destinations.
In addition to booking flights, there is also potential for savings outside of actually planning your vacation. Skyscanner's survey shows that many Germans are willing to forego certain amenities in order to finance their summer vacation. By avoiding restaurants, taxi rides and buying new clothes, travelers can save their budget and reserve them for unforgettable vacation moments.
Friederike Burge, travel trends and destinations expert at Skyscanner, stresses the importance of thoughtful travel planning: "We know how much Germans look forward to their summer holidays and how thoroughly they research - perhaps even more than usual this year. Our guide is based on a wealth of Skyscanner data and has been developed to help travellers make good use of their money this summer."
Overall, Skyscanner's research shows that despite rising travel costs, there are ways to make summer vacations affordable. Through clever planning, early booking and the selection of affordable travel destinations, holidaymakers can get the most out of their summer holiday this year too.
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