The Expedia Spring Travel Outlook finds late April is the best time to save and avoid crowds, with Orlando the top domestic travel destination.
Expedia has released its Spring Travel Outlook, revealing flight searches for March through May are up, particularly for international travel, with searches for spring trips abroad higher than last year, as Americans look to leverage a strong U.S. dollar to stretch their travel budgets when exploring international destinations like Japan and Mexico.
While Cancún and London remain popular for spring breakers, data shows travelers are also eyeing spring trips to less typical spots like Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok and Seoul.
Closer to home, Orlando is not only the most searched U.S. destination, it's the most searched spring destination worldwide.
Regardless of destination, if last year’s trend holds spring travelers can save up to 25% on airfare by booking three to four weeks in advance of travel and avoiding peak travel dates.
Tips from the Spring Travel Outlook include:
When to Book Spring Travel
Best time: Three weeks to a month ahead of departure to save up to 25%
Worst time: 0-6 days out or more than 90 days out
Peak Travel Dates
Last two Saturdays of March (22 and 29)
Easter weekend (April 18-20)
Mother’s Day weekend (May 9-11)
Best Time to Travel
Domestic flights: Last week of April, first week of May (save nearly $55 vs. peak dates)
International flights: First week of March, last week of April (save nearly $115 vs. peak dates)
Regardless of the departure date, Expedia data shows departing on a Tuesday instead of a Friday could shave around 15% off the price of a domestic ticket.
Where to Go
Most popular: Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Cancún, London, Punta Cana
Fastest growing: Rio de Janeiro (+85%), Curaçao (+60%), Tokyo (+50%), Osaka (+50%), Maui (+45%), Istanbul (+45%)
Best for the U.S. dollar going farther: The U.S. dollar is expected to remain strong for the first half of 2025, meaning travel budgets go farther when visiting international destinations. Now’s a great time for Americans to enjoy a favorable exchange rate in Tokyo, Mexico City, Seoul and other popular spring destinations.
Wave Season
Spring is a great time to travel, and it’s also the best time to book a cruise. From now until March is “wave season,” the cruise industry’s version of Black Friday. Book before the end of February to score extras like $1,000 onboard credits and other deals, discounts and extras.
Best and Busiest Times to Travel This Spring
Based on historical flight demand, average ticket prices peak in late March and remain higher through early April, reflecting the window when many schools are out for spring break. Meanwhile, Easter is later this year, falling on April 20, impacting demand and prices as travelers take advantage of the long weekend.
Conversely, the cheapest times to fly are before March 10, and late April through early May. Data also reveals departing on a Tuesday instead of a Friday could shave around 15% off the price of a domestic ticket.
For more details check out the Expedia Spring Travel Outlook.
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