Google Data Reveals the Best Times to Book Flights for the Cheapest Airfare
Google Flights has released a robust travel report after aggregating four years of airfare data and trends to provide US travelers with an overarching guide on finding the cheapest flights and the best times to book them. I have reviewed this report thoroughly and highlighted the most important takeaways below to help you find a flight in your budget and let you relax while traveling instead of stressing about money.
For more key travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also review CNET's roundup of the best headphones for travel.
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How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro
What days are the cheapest to fly?
CNET
If you're planning to book a flight, you're likely trying to find the most budget-friendly option. According to Google Flights, the cheapest flights are available when flying on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being the cheapest day, according to the historical flight data.
Flying early- to midweek can save travelers 13% to 20% on airfare compared to flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday the most expensive day to fly.
Do layovers on flights save you money?
It may come as no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights but you may not realize just how significant those savings can be. The Google Flight data shows that travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight.
Which day of the week is the cheapest for booking flights?
There are certainly cheaper days to fly, there aren't really cheaper days to book. "There's not much benefit to buying your tickets on a certain day of the week," according to the Google report.
Google Flights does state that Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day of the week to book, according to the data, but Tuesday bookings are only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday.
Is it cheaper to book flights far in advance?
To wait or not to wait? According to Google, it's better to book your travel far in advance, especially if you need to fly on a specific day or time. There are some patterns you can analyze to decide whether it's better to wait for lower prices or book now based on specific scenarios, destinations and dates of travel.
For domestic flights, the prices are generally at their lowest between 21 and 52 days before your trip -- with 38 days before departure being the cheapest day to book on average.
For international flights, the prices are generally lowest between 50 and 101 days before your trip, but it's generally best practice to book as early as you can. According to Google, "Average prices don't meaningfully drop anytime before departure but they usually do start to rise within 50 days of the flight itself" for international travel from the US.
Never miss out on the cheapest airfare again./Gianmarco Chumbe/CNET
When is the best time to book a flight in every season?
Here's what Google says about the best times to book holiday flights and vacation trips to certain popular destinations.
Summer break: The cheapest domestic flights in July and August are usually available 13 to 43 days in advance, with 21 days before departure being the cheapest day on average to book.
Thanksgiving: The cheapest domestic flights over the Thanksgiving holiday are usually available 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days out being the cheapest -- meaning it's best to book Thanksgiving flights in early October.
Christmas: The cheapest domestic flights over the winter holidays are usually available 36 to 72 days in advance, with 58 days out being the cheapest. It's best to book Christmas or holiday travel in the latter half of October.
Spring break: The cheapest domestic flights in March and April are available between 33 to 59 days in advance, with 44 days before departure being the cheapest time to book on average.
When is the best time to book a flight to Europe?
International flights to Europe from the US are usually cheaper 50 or more days before departure, with 94 days out being the cheapest day to book on average. As with all international travel, it's generally best practice to book as early as you can.
When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico or the Caribbean?
International flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are the one exception to the broader international trend, according to Google. That's because flights are generally at their lowest between 26 and 68 days in advance, with 44 days out being the cheapest.
For more, check out CNET's picks for the best travel credit cards in 2025. You can also explore the 12 travel essentials you always need to pack and the worst airlines for flight delays and cancellations.
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Travel + Leisure
11 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Mom in Paris—and These Are My 11 Must-visit Spots With Kids in the City of Light
Paris is a city that travelers often approach with high expectations. From world-class dining and renowned museums to picturesque parks and charming cafes, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a trip—especially with kids in tow. As an American mom of a toddler and a 5-year-old, married to a native Parisian, I've learned how to explore the City of Light at a leisurely pace the entire family can enjoy. While Paris offers countless experiences that delight visitors of all ages, these 11 spots are our family's trusted favorites, places where both little ones and grown-ups can savor the true spirit of the city. An exhibit inside Musee Rodin. Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure Located on Paris's Left Bank, this intimate museum showcases the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin—most notably The Thinker. In addition to its acclaimed collection, the property features beautifully manicured sculpture gardens and an on-site cafe, perfect for a casual coffee or an ice cream break. The museum offers a year-round calendar of family-friendly events, such as the chasse aux œufs (Easter egg hunt), where our daughter delighted in collecting eggs throughout the gardens in exchange for chocolates. A current highlight for families is L'Atelier Rodin, a dedicated space where children of all ages can explore the art of sculpture through hands-on activities. Nosso Barco Tambor Terra exhibition at the Grand Palais. RICCARDO MILANI/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images There's always a captivating exhibition or event to discover at the architecturally stunning Grand Palais. Our family has enjoyed attending a variety of seasonal happenings, from ice skating at Le Grand Palais des Glaces to the Festival du Livre de Paris, which brings together hundreds of authors and publishers. The Children's Palace recently debuted its very first exhibition, "Transparence," a sensory journey exploring the concept of transparency through science and art, on view until Aug. 2027. In addition to this must-see exhibition, the Grand Palais is home to two expansive spaces dedicated to play and curiosity, including Le Salon Seine—a family-friendly area with interactive art, creative games, a collaborative mural, and a cafe. A quick note for families with event tickets: Be prepared for long lines at the entrance, even if you've purchased tickets in advance. The exterior of Foundation Louis Vuitton. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure A standout destination beloved by visitors of all ages, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art museum and cultural center celebrated as an architectural icon. The "David Hockney 25" exhibition is currently stealing the spotlight until Aug. 2025, accompanied by an art workshop designed for children ages 6-10 and their families. After your visit, let your little ones burn off some energy in the vast Bois de Boulogne park that surrounds the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Be sure to check the museum's annual programming, which includes popular events like Nuit des Musées and the Family Festival, among others. Greenscape of Jardin d'Acclimatation. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure For families seeking the thrill of an amusement park without committing to a full day at Disneyland, the Jardin d'Acclimatation is an ideal alternative, located within minutes of the Fondation Louis Vuitton. This destination is a true Parisian institution, adored by locals and visitors alike for its wide range of attractions, from roller coasters and carnival-style games to an educational farm with hands-on animal encounters. My husband loves bringing our kids here with his family, sharing the magic of his own childhood visits across generations. Leave it to Paris to offer an amusement park experience that's genuinely enjoyable. Exterior of a greenhosue in Jardin des Plantes. Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure Paris is home to an impressive collection of parks and gardens, like the Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, but we always find ourselves returning to the Jardin des Plantes, nestled in the city's 5th arrondissement. Take your time exploring the gardens, including the greenhouses, which are noteworthy even when the blooms aren't at their peak. Inside the gates, you'll also find La Ménagerie (the zoo) and several museums, including the well-known Grande Galerie de l'Évolution. You could easily spend an entire day discovering the Jardin des Plantes—a place sure to spark the curiosity of every family member. Scenes from the playground at Jardin Catherine‑Labouré. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure One of the reasons I love raising kids in Paris is the fact that you can find a park or playground on nearly every block. We're lucky to have several options scattered throughout our arrondissement, but this quaint jardin (garden), just minutes from Le Bon Marché, has become a regular escape for our family. Tucked off Rue de Babylone, it's easy to miss if you don't know it's there—but step inside and you'll find a well-maintained playground, a green space for lounging, and benches situated beneath leafy vines, ideal for reading. This hidden gem provides a welcome pause from the bustle just beyond the park's edge. Interior shots of Chantelivre. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure Browsing for books is a simple yet extremely satisfying way to spend an hour (or two) in Paris. We're spoiled by the abundance of charming bookshops in Paris—like Chantelivre on Rue de Sèvres, a delightful spot known for its curated selection of children's literature. 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While we don't make it here as often as our little ones (or we) would like, we recently hopped on the metro for a weekend visit—and it's always well worth the trip. HolyBelly doesn't take reservations, so it's best to plan ahead. On weekends, we aim to get there right at opening (9 a.m.) to beat the crowd, while weekdays are typically more relaxed. If there happens to be a line, it tends to move quickly. One unexpected perk: The lively environment easily absorbs toddler chaos, so there's no need to stress about noise here. Delicious treats from Plaq. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure Hot chocolate is another beloved Parisian specialty, with iconic spots like Angelina, Carette, and Les Deux Magots earning reputations for some of the best cups in town. But Plaq offers a distinctly different experience. With their bean-to-bar philosophy, they oversee every step of the process, from sourcing the cocoa beans to crafting each final creation. They now have two locations in Paris, including their newest outpost on Rue du Cherche-Midi. There, you'll find an exciting selection of treats, including their signature chocolate bars, seasonal specialties like ice cream in the warmer months, or a personal favorite: hot chocolate topped with chantilly when the weather turns cold. A close up of an ice cream cone from Cafe Isaka. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure Inspired by the flavors of Asia, Café Isaka brings a playful twist to typical artisanal ice cream you might find elsewhere. Tucked in the heart of Paris's 1st arrondissement, it's a charming stop for a refreshing pause amid a day of wandering the city. Whether you're craving a classic scoop or curious to try their signature fried ice cream, there's something on the menu to satisfy every sweet tooth. Grab your treat and stroll over to the nearby Palais-Royal to enjoy it among the gardens.
Forbes
12 minutes ago
- Forbes
More Americans Are Taking A Road Trip This Summer. But Can They Afford It?
Americans are taking more road trips than ever. Here's what it means for you. getty The Great American road trip is back. But it's not the free-spending adventure it used to be. Americans are hitting the highway like never before – Enterprise Mobility reports a record 60 percent of Americans plan on traveling via personal or rental vehicle to their summer destination – but the classic joyride is overshadowed by economic anxiety. This summer is about dodging financial potholes and enduring screensaver-worthy traffic. "The summer road trip offers people the opportunity to explore the country with the flexibility and freedom to go where they want, when they want," says Bridget Long, senior vice president of North American operations for Enterprise Mobility. "Freedom and flexibility are key – and why many are turning to road trips this summer." Here are some of the key trends shaping the 2025 summer road trip: Less is more. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of summer travelers surveyed are cutting expenses to budget for their next trip. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of summer travelers surveyed are cutting expenses to budget for their next trip. No more restaurants. The most common expenses they are reducing are dining out, buying new clothes, or ordering takeout. The most common expenses they are reducing are dining out, buying new clothes, or ordering takeout. Millennials are the most frugal. Of those cutting back on expenses to afford their summer trip, Millennials (75 percent) are more cost-conscious than Gen X (60 percent) or Baby Boomers (48 percent). Other research corroborates Enterprise's findings. For example, a Credit Karma survey also suggests frugality is "in" this summer: 58 percent of Americans are scaling back travel spending, and 56 percent are choosing cheaper options like camping or visiting national parks. "With interest rates still relatively high, and overall macroeconomic conditions evolving, people are making some common-sense adjustments to their travel plans this year," says financial analyst Jay Abella. No question about it, travel is getting more expensive. And travelers have the sticker-shock stories to prove it. Consider Joel Silverstone's recent family roadtrip, which quickly turned pricey. "Nineteen dollar virgin margaritas and $20 chips with bad guacamole," he recalls. "That just kills your vacation." Time to fly? Nope, says Ruth Jennifer Cruz, a tech entrepreneur who crunched numbers. "After years of flight delays and airport chaos, people want predictable travel," she says. "Plus, the cost savings are substantial – even with gas prices, family road trips cost 60 to 70 percent less than flying." Americans are nostalgic for road trips "The road trip renaissance of 2025 reflects something more profound," explains Susan Sherren, owner of Couture Trips. "It's a nation slowing down long enough to appreciate what we have, to understand where we came from, and to create meaningful connections with both places and people." Sherren was surprised when her 85-year-old mother nixed an opportunity to visit Paris in favor of a road trip to see Lincoln's Springfield and the Oregon Trail. It's not all nostalgia. Staying home just feels safer. Jackie Mondelli, Squaremouth's chief marketing officer, cites her company's data: 34 percent of travelers under 40 feel more anxious about flying. "This also feels like a continuation of a trend that started during COVID, when people turned to RVs and road trips to reduce the risk of exposure," she says. "Since then, many have discovered they enjoy the freedom and flexibility of traveling by car." The control factor is huge, says seasoned road tripper and pro organizer Stephanie Deininger. "People want to explore their own country, not just fly over it," she says. "There's a growing desire to get to know your own state, your own region, your own neighbors. I think this will continue as people crave in-person connection." What does the 2025 road trip look like? Enterprise's data suggests Americans — in addition to saving money and avoiding air travel — are interested in culinary and cultural escapes. It found 50 percent of those surveyed said that their dream holiday includes a combination of relaxing and sightseeing activities, and 46 percent said they are looking to enjoy local food. There may be no better reason to take a road trip. The United States has some of the most diverse cuisine on the planet, from lobster rolls in Maine to Tex-Mex in the Southwest. You can plan your entire trip around food (and it is definitely worth it). And there's plenty to see. Shari Margolin, a travel advisor, just completed an epic road trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. "National parks offer stunning beauty, affordability, and memorable vacation experiences," she says. Most American road trips will take place in July, according to Enterprise. And people are going big. "We've found roominess – the need for extra space – and a large trunk to be two of the top desired features of a rental for summer travelers," notes Long, the Enterprise executive. She says 47 percent of respondents to her survey planned to rent an SUV, and 37 percent are opting for a roomy sedan. How to take a successful 2025 road trip Want to actually enjoy your 2025 road trip? Steal these pro tips: Pack like a pro — and plan ahead. That's the advice of travel advisor Stacie Vinson. On a recent road trip with her toddler, her cooler burst open in the middle of a road trip and she lost her child's water bottle. "I didn't have a backup, and there wasn't a general store in sight for miles," she says. "Needless to say, my toddler threw a tantrum." Her advice: pack carefully — and make sure you have a backup for important items, just in case. Insure the journey: Mondelli notes a surge in road trip policies, which cover breakdowns, rental car damage, even luggage stolen from your car. "You get peace of mind," she says. Cut lodging costs. One way you can do it is by skipping the vacation rental platforms and booking directly with an owner. "Airbnb and take around 20 percent in booking commission fees out of the price," says Rebecca Ward, CEO of Simply Owners, a direct booking site. And one more thing. Be prepared for anything . The summer road trip is unpredictable. There's no easy way to tell how your summer road trip will be affected by politics, safety, gas prices or the expected crowds. And a reality check: Not everyone will be successful at saving money. Americans are set to spend an average of $2,867 per household this summer, according to a recent survey by Allianz Partners — that's a slight increase from last year. The road trippers I talked to for this story say they're proceeding with caution. They're planning their trips carefully, watching their bottom line, and expecting the unexpected. That's always a good idea, but perhaps never more than during the summer of 2025.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
I went in search of the Indonesia I saw on Instagram. The reality was tragically different
After 12 days in Bali and neighbouring Lombok, my friend Ally and I finally addressed the elephant in the room. Sitting on the floor of a cockroach-infested hostel bathroom, we admitted that we weren't having much fun. The reality, it turned out, wasn't what we'd expected. It was on the second night that I'd begun to notice it. We were on the isle of Gili Trawangan, between Bali and Lombok, and had, until then, been wandering around this fascinating new place in a haze of tropical euphoria. But as night fell, the island had begun to morph into a darker, altogether more sinister place. It was quiet, mostly empty, with a few people lurking around trying to sell us mushrooms or marijuana. As we hurried to our hostel arm in arm, we started, for the first time, to become truly aware of our surroundings. The skeletal horses chained to carriages stared out like ghosts. Their necks were contorted into unnatural positions, and looking at them – as one living thing to another – made me sick to my stomach. At 2am, the poor creatures stood shackled – skin and bones – waiting to pick up the drunk tourists who couldn't be bothered to walk five minutes back to their hostel. My friend Sara, who lives in Bali, had told us the day before that the horses looked better than they had the year before. When we asked what she meant, she said: 'It looks like they're being fed now, they were like sticks last time I was here – but I think people started complaining.' When I asked some locals about it the next day, they explained that a local mafia was in control and there was nothing that could be done. They ran the island, making money – mostly from tourists – by selling drugs, sex and profiting from animal cruelty. It was an open secret, but no one spoke up. After that second eye-opening evening, our moods shifted. Though neither of us could bring ourselves to say it out loud, we were both suddenly seeing the island as it was: walking through the sewage and mud that flooded the streets; the buildings windowless and stacked high with rubbish; abandoned washing machines and decades-old furniture dotting the roadside. We also became suddenly aware of how filthy we were. The ocean was full of rubbish. Ally had even spotted a raw chicken foot floating in the sea, and the flooded streets had covered our legs in goodness-knows-what. It was after one such walk – days later, after we had rushed back to the hostel to scrub ourselves clean – that we'd ended up on the floor of the hostel bathroom, and it had all come spilling out. We realised we had fallen for the oldest trick in the book – we had been seduced by pretty pictures; duped by Instagram. We had travelled across the world in search of a picturesque paradise, and though we'd found something quite different, it hadn't stopped us sharing our own social media posts along the way – of dreamy sunsets, tropical waterfalls, the two of us bikini-clad and smiling – feeding the very illusion we had bought into. Friends messaged to say how jealous they were, and that our trip looked beautiful. We hoped things might improve once we reached mainland Bali, but they didn't. The overcrowding was particularly awful – and there was no escaping it, especially when riding around on mopeds. Whenever I drove anywhere, I'd return covered in thick soot, and the traffic was horrendous: we were told by other travellers that they had seen people fall off bikes and their heads 'explode like watermelons'. At one point I saw a man carrying a guitar fall from his bike in the midst of the traffic: the guitar smashed to pieces, but no one stopped to help him. Since returning, I've reflected a lot on my trip, and while there were moments of fun and beauty, ultimately it remains a sobering experience. In particular, I feel guilt for the impact that I had, not just on the environment, but on the local community. The average Indonesian person in Bali makes just £140 per month, while tourists like me take advantage of the low prices and cheap accommodation. Even the rate of road accidents has been exacerbated by the tourist boom – with travellers hiring mopeds, as we did, contributing to the dangerous overcrowding. Last year, nearly 550 people died in motorbike accidents in Bali, making up over 80 per cent of all road accidents in the area. How Bali came to this, I'm not sure – but, as is the case with so many once-idyllic destinations suffering under the weight of over-tourism, I suspect social media has a lot to answer for. There is hope for Bali, but change must come from the tourists themselves. The power lies in the Instagram feeds of those passing through, and until tourists are brave – braver than I was – and start posting the truth about what they see, I fear nothing will change, and this once-beautiful place will be lost forever. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Solve the daily Crossword
