Finding the Cheapest Times to Travel to Popular Destinations

Use Google Flights' 'Explore' feature to track price fluctuations over a six-month window and set up price alerts for specific dates. Always target the 'shoulder season'—the weeks immediately before or after peak tourist months—to save up to 40% on flights and accommodation.

  1. Use the Google Flights Explore Tool. Go to google.com/flights and enter your departure city. Leave the destination field blank or set it to 'Everywhere' and set your dates to 'Flexible dates' for a 1-week trip in the next 6 months. This reveals a map with the lowest possible fares.
  2. Monitor Historical Data on Skyscanner. Use the 'Whole Month' search function on Skyscanner to see a bar chart of daily prices. This helps you identify if flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of a Friday or Sunday saves you the typical 15-20% on long-haul routes.
  3. Set Up Automated Tracking. Once you have a general destination, turn on 'Track Prices' in the Google Flights app. You will receive an email notification the moment fares drop, which usually happens when airlines adjust inventory 3 to 4 months before departure.
  4. Identify Shoulder Seasons. Avoid the 'Peak' months (e.g., July/August for Europe, December for the Caribbean). Look for the 4-week window just before or after peak season—usually May/June or September/October for Northern Hemisphere destinations—when prices drop significantly but weather remains viable.
Is it actually cheaper to book on a Tuesday?
No. That is a myth. Airlines update prices constantly based on demand, not the day of the week you search. Being flexible with your travel dates is the only consistent way to save money.
How far in advance should I book?
For domestic flights, 1 to 3 months is the 'sweet spot.' For international flights, start tracking prices 4 to 6 months out.