Traveling around the world is an exciting adventure, but finding affordable flights can sometimes be a challenge. However, by being strategic about your travel dates and understanding when to book, you can save significant amounts on your round-the-world flights. Here’s a guide to the best times to travel for cheap flights and how you can maximize savings on your RTW trip.
1. Off-Peak Seasons
The off-peak season (or shoulder season) is one of the best times to travel for cheaper flights. During this period, demand for flights is lower, so airlines often lower their prices to fill seats. While the definition of “off-peak” can vary depending on the region, traveling during these times generally means fewer crowds and lower costs.
- Why it’s the best time: Airfares are typically lower when demand is low. Fewer tourists are traveling, so airlines offer discounted tickets to attract customers.
- When it is:
- Europe: Late fall (October to early December) and early spring (March to May).
- Southeast Asia: Late spring and summer months (May to September) are less busy.
- North America: Early spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).
- Australia & New Zealand: May to August (winter months).
2. Mid-Week Flights
Flying mid-week is often cheaper than flying on weekends because most people travel on Fridays and Sundays. Airfare prices tend to be higher on these popular travel days due to increased demand.
- Why it’s the best time: Airlines often offer discounts for flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as these days are less popular with business and leisure travelers.
- When it is: Aim for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to find the best deals.
- Tips:
- Early morning or late-night flights also tend to be less expensive, so consider booking flights at these times for further savings.
3. Avoid Holidays and Peak Travel Times
During peak travel times such as major holidays, school vacations, and festive periods, flights are usually more expensive due to high demand. Traveling during holiday periods like Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving often results in significantly higher flight prices.
- Why it’s the best time: Avoiding these busy times allows you to skip inflated prices driven by demand.
- When it is:
- Holiday periods: Christmas (December 20-30), New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving (November), Easter, and summer vacation (June to August).
- Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year: These periods also see price hikes, particularly in Asia.
4. Book in Advance
Booking your flights well in advance is crucial for securing lower prices on round-the-world tickets. Airlines often release tickets about 6–12 months before departure, and prices tend to rise as the flight date approaches.
- Why it’s the best time: Booking in advance allows you to take advantage of the lowest available fares before prices increase closer to your travel date.
- When it is: Try to book your RTW flights 3 to 6 months in advance for the best deals. If possible, plan even further ahead for peak destinations during off-peak periods.
- Tips:
- Set up price alerts with tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to track prices for months and catch the best deals.
5. Travel During Low-Cost Airline Promotions
Many low-cost carriers offer flash sales or discounted fare promotions throughout the year. By keeping an eye on these offers, you can find cheaper flight options, especially for the legs of your RTW trip that involve shorter distances or regional travel.
- Why it’s the best time: Airlines regularly run sales and promotions, often with significant discounts on long-haul or budget flights.
- When it is: Low-cost carriers frequently offer sales during:
- January (after the holiday season),
- September and October (when travel demand drops),
- March (spring sales).
6. Travel in the Shoulder Season
The shoulder season refers to the period between peak and off-peak seasons. It’s a great time to score cheaper flights because it’s outside of the busy holiday periods, but still offers favorable weather conditions in many regions.
- Why it’s the best time: You’ll enjoy lower prices and fewer tourists, along with pleasant weather in many destinations.
- When it is:
- Europe: Late spring (April to early June) and early autumn (September to October).
- Southeast Asia: April to early June.
- North America: Early spring (March to May) and late fall (September to November).
- Australia: Late autumn (April-May) and early spring (September-October).
7. Book RTW Tickets During Sales Events
Airlines and travel agencies often host sales events throughout the year, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and New Year’s sales. These sales can offer significant discounts on RTW tickets and multi-destination flights.
- Why it’s the best time: These sales are designed to attract travelers and can offer significant savings on long-haul flights.
- When it is:
- Black Friday (November) and Cyber Monday (the Monday following Thanksgiving) are key sale events for airfares.
- New Year’s sales: Late December and early January often feature discounted tickets for the upcoming year.
8. Consider Alternative Routes and Destinations
Being flexible with your destinations and routes can lead to cheaper RTW flights. For example, some cities may have lower airfare prices due to their location, airline competition, or popularity.
- Why it’s the best time: Smaller cities or airports may offer cheaper fares than major tourist hubs, especially if they’re served by budget airlines.
- When it is: If your main destination is expensive, consider flying into a nearby city with lower ticket prices and then taking a local flight or train to your final destination.
- Tips:
- Use fare comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to identify cheaper alternatives and routes.
- Look into budget airlines or regional carriers that offer lower prices compared to large international carriers.
9. Track Airline Deals and Set Fare Alerts
Using fare comparison tools and setting up price alerts can help you stay informed about fluctuations in ticket prices. By tracking specific routes or destinations, you can spot when prices drop and book tickets before they increase again.
- Why it’s the best time: Price alerts notify you of lower prices, helping you seize deals as soon as they’re available.
- When it is: Throughout the year, especially in the months before your intended departure. Start tracking fares 3–6 months in advance to give yourself time to plan.
- Tips:
- Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to monitor prices and receive alerts for RTW flight deals.
10. Consider Flying with Flexible Dates
Flexibility with your travel dates can open up opportunities for cheaper flights. Airfares vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and proximity to holidays. By adjusting your travel window, you may find more affordable flights.
- Why it’s the best time: Airlines often offer cheaper flights on specific days of the week or during less busy travel periods. Being flexible allows you to capitalize on these cheaper options.
- When it is: If you’re willing to shift your departure by a few days or even weeks, you can often find significantly cheaper flights. Avoid peak travel days like Fridays and Sundays.
