Jan. 31 is National Plan for Vacation Day, and there’s no time like the present to search for flights, right? Well, if you want to find the best deals, travel is a lot like real estate: timing, location and shopping around are the keys to get maximum value. While it would be nice to pin down that exact, elusive time when flight prices are always at their cheapest, the truth is there is no one perfect time to book. Oftentimes flight prices depend on a variety of factors, from seasonality to demand to location. The best advice is to start early and do your research, which is why vacation planning is key. To get you started, we looked at 25 of the most popular destinations to find out how far out (on average) you may want to book that flight.
Here are some key findings:
- Some destinations (we’re looking at you, Cabo and London) are better suited to the procrastinating travel planner than others (say Los Angeles, New York or Chicago, for example). However, it’s better to book a flight when you find a great price then wait longer and hope it gets cheaper.
- Now is the best time to focus on spring and summer travel plans, so use this as motivation to start planning that much-needed trip.
- While last-minute deals can be found, they aren’t guaranteed. So, if you know you want to travel during a particular time of the year or to a particular destination, plan ahead.
- Always remember: If you’re planning travel for peak season or holidays, you should book even further out.
Let’s make 2017 the year you use all your vacation days — our vacation planner can help you get started…
2017 Vacation Planner
| Destination | How far in advance to book, on average |
| London, UK | 84 days (2.75 months) |
| Cabo, Mexico | 86 days (2.75 months) |
| Maui, Hawaii | 98 Days (3.25 months) |
| San Jose, Costa Rica | 101 days (3.25 months) |
| Montego Bay, Jamaica | 102 days (3.25 months) |
| Sydney, Australia | 104 days (3.5 months) |
| Honolulu, Hawaii | 105 days (3.5 months) |
| Orlando, Fla. | 109 days (3.5 months) |
| Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | 115 days (4 months) |
| Tampa, Fla. | 116 days (4 months) |
| Miami, Fla. | 118 days (4 months) |
| Manila, Philippines | 123 days (4.25 months) |
| Seattle, Wash. | 123 days (4.25 months) |
| Dallas, Texas | 124 days (4.25 months) |
| Las Vegas, Nev. | 128 days (4.25 months) |
| Phoenix, Ariz. | 128 days (4.25 months) |
| San Diego, Calif. | 128 days (4.25 months) |
| Atlanta, Ga. | 129 days (4.25 months) |
| Cancun, Mexico | 129 days (4.25 months) |
| Denver, Colo. | 131 days (4.5 months) |
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | 132 days (4.5 months) |
| Los Angeles, Calif. | 134 days (4.5 months) |
| New York, N.Y. | 135 days (4.5 months) |
| San Francisco, Calif. | 137 days (4.5 months) |
| Chicago, Ill. | 145 days (4.75 months) |
*This data is based on averages from departure points across the U.S. and is intended as a guideline only.
Where will you be going in 2017? Let us know in the comments.
Feature: iStock photo/BraunS
