While prices are rising for many everyday costs, summer airfare is bucking the trend. KAYAK search data shows average flight prices are down 7% compared to last year (and the cheapest in recent years) – with 100+ cities seeing drops and long-haul spots like Sydney (-23%) and Hong Kong (-16%) leading the charge.
We analyzed travelers’ searches for summer travel to uncover where to go, when to fly and how to stretch your budget further – whether you’re eyeing Memorial Day, the Fourth, or a last-minute August escape. All in an effort to help you save hundreds.
Airfare relief: Average prices are down 7%, with over 100 destinations showing declines.
Holiday weekend savings: July 4th flights are nearly 10% cheaper. Memorial Day and Labor Day are down too.
Cheap domestic flights: Fly to Orlando, Tampa, or Raleigh for under $300. Best weeks to fly? May 19–June 8 and August 11–31.
Hot destinations, cool prices: Asia (-11%), Europe (-8%), and Africa (-5%) are all cheaper than last summer.
Interest is spiking in: The South Pacific (+13% searches, -15% prices) and Africa (+8% searches, -5% prices).
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Airfare’s finally giving us a break – especially to big-name cities. Our flight search data shows top spots like Stockholm (-17%), Milan (-15%), Copenhagen (-15%) and Berlin (-13%) are all seeing double-digit drops. Even US cities like Sacramento are cheaper than last summer with double-digit savings.
Want to know where else prices are falling? Our interactive map shows the 150 most-searched destinations – so you can spot the deals and book smart.
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Not all travel deals are created equal. This summer, real savings are showing up where it counts.
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This summer, saving money is all about smart timing — and we’ve got the data to prove it. These are the best weeks to travel (and the dates you’ll want to avoid unless you love paying too much and fighting for overhead bin space).
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Oh them? That’s the popular crowd. These destinations are the hottest, buzziest or most tried-and-true favorites of our travelers. Good news: they’re also (mostly) cheaper.
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Summer holiday travel is finally on sale. July 4th flights are down 9%, making prices a little closer to what you’d expect for Memorial Day, not mid-summer. Saving your vacation for the end of summer? Labor Day weekend flights are down 3%. Overall, the big PTO weekends will be a little easier on your wallet this year. Here’s where to go (and save) next.
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KAYAK’s travel expert, Kayla DeLoache, knows how to travel smart. As a frequent flyer and mom of two, her go-to tips help you beat the crowds, avoid high prices, and stretch your budget.
Tourist magnets like Miami and Cancún = high prices. Look for underrated gems – think Asheville instead of Nashville, or Porto instead of Paris – for better prices, fewer crowds and a way bigger return on your travel budget.
Use KAYAK’s multi-city search to turn one trip into two. Plus, it’s a growing trend. More adventure, more value, less spend.
Set the alarm. Early morning flights are usually cheaper, face fewer delays and give you more time in your destination. Save cash, save time and maybe even catch a mid-air sunrise.
Found a good deal? KAYAK’s PriceCheck tells you if it’s actually a steal. It shows how your find stacks up against price trends and live data. Data > drama.
Traveling with kids? Dodge the most expensive weeks of summer – late June through July – and aim for early June or August instead. You’ll find cheaper flights, cheaper hotels and fewer meltdowns at security.
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