Seasonal Deal Calendar
Know when to book and where to go for the best value all year round.
Deal-Finding Principles
Book 2-3 Months Ahead
For domestic flights, the sweet spot is typically 1-3 months before departure. International flights often need 2-8 months lead time.
Tuesday/Wednesday Flights
Mid-week departures are usually cheapest. Weekend flights carry a premium, especially for leisure routes.
Shoulder Seasons Win
The weeks just before and after peak season offer the best balance of price, weather, and crowds.
Month-by-Month Guide
January
Deal Opportunities
Post-holiday flight sales (often starting Jan 2-3)
Best Destinations
Caribbean, Mexico, Southeast Asia, Australia (summer)
Avoid
Ski resorts at peak pricing
Booking Tip
Book spring break trips now before prices spike
February
Deal Opportunities
Valentine's weekend premium pricing, but good deals mid-month
Best Destinations
Central America, South America, New Zealand
Avoid
Romantic destinations around Feb 14
Booking Tip
Book summer Europe trips now for best selection
March
Deal Opportunities
Spring break drives up prices to beach destinations
Best Destinations
Japan (cherry blossoms), Morocco, Portugal
Avoid
Florida, Cancun, Caribbean (spring break crowds)
Booking Tip
Watch for flash sales as airlines compete for summer bookings
April
Deal Opportunities
Post-spring break lull offers good value
Best Destinations
Mediterranean shoulder season, Japan, Eastern Europe
Avoid
Easter week can spike prices
Booking Tip
Last chance for summer deals before peak pricing
May
Deal Opportunities
Early summer sweet spot before peak season
Best Destinations
Europe before crowds, Greece, Croatia, Portugal
Avoid
Memorial Day weekend premium pricing
Booking Tip
Book fall trips now for best selection
June
Deal Opportunities
Peak season begins—fewer deals but best weather
Best Destinations
Alaska, Iceland (midnight sun), Northern Europe
Avoid
All of Europe getting crowded and expensive
Booking Tip
Start watching for fall/winter flight deals
July
Deal Opportunities
Peak pricing for most destinations
Best Destinations
Canadian Rockies, Patagonia (winter), East Africa
Avoid
Mediterranean at most expensive and crowded
Booking Tip
Book holiday season trips now before prices spike
August
Deal Opportunities
Late-month deals as summer winds down
Best Destinations
Scandinavia, British Isles, Peru (dry season)
Avoid
European vacation month—very crowded
Booking Tip
Labor Day deals often start mid-August
September
Deal Opportunities
Shoulder season begins—excellent value
Best Destinations
Europe post-summer, Greece, Italy, Spain
Avoid
Initial Labor Day weekend
Booking Tip
Prime time to book winter travel
October
Deal Opportunities
Great shoulder season value continues
Best Destinations
Mediterranean, Japan (fall colors), Morocco
Avoid
Halloween week premiums in some areas
Booking Tip
Book spring trips for best prices
November
Deal Opportunities
Black Friday/Cyber Monday travel sales (biggest of year)
Best Destinations
Southeast Asia (beginning of dry season), Caribbean before winter rush
Avoid
Thanksgiving week (US) highest prices of fall
Booking Tip
Best time to book for entire next year
December
Deal Opportunities
Early December good; mid-month through Jan 2 expensive
Best Destinations
Thailand, Vietnam, Costa Rica (dry season begins)
Avoid
Dec 15 - Jan 2 peak holiday pricing everywhere
Booking Tip
Jan-Feb trips often have last-minute deals
Join the Journey
Weekly tips on finding deals, packing smart, and making the most of your travel budget.