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The Best Days to Book a Flight and When to Fly

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Believing there’s just one optimal day a week to save on flights — and that day is Tuesday — is the stuff of legends. And like all good legends, there is some truth to it … but it’s not the whole story.

The reality is that flight prices change constantly and at all hours of the day, adjusting to real-time demand. Airlines don’t restock on the same day every week like a grocery store, so you won’t find deals by waiting until Tuesdays to book. However, you might find some modest savings if you’re willing to fly on Saturdays or midweek, when there’s less demand than usual.

Here’s what the data shows on the best days to book a flight and when to fly.

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Best day to book a flight

No single day of the week is best to book a flight. You can find deals any day of the week since flight prices fluctuate with demand.

Airlines might offer sales, increase the number of seats on a route or even lower prices to match a competitor, so there’s no actual pattern in what day of the week has the best deals.

Best day to fly

Hopper — a travel booking app — collected flight booking data from October 2023 through April 1, 2024 for May 2024 departures. Here are the findings about the best day to fly.

Tuesday and Friday flights can help you avoid the rush earlier in the week

Sundays and Mondays are the most expensive days to depart for domestic trips. If you can’t fly on the cheapest days, flying on Tuesdays or Fridays might also be a good option. The average airfare is about 12% lower than peak Sunday prices on these days.

Mondays can still be a relatively expensive day to fly domestically. By departing on Monday instead of Sunday, you can expect to save only about $9, or about 3%.

Wednesdays and Saturdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally

Meanwhile, international flyers would also be wise to leave on Wednesdays or Saturdays, usually the cheapest days to depart for an international trip. That said, there isn’t a huge difference in price across the days of the week for most international routes.

Hopper estimates that leaving on a Wednesday for Europe will only save you about 10% compared to the most expensive day (Friday).

Fly on the holidays (or as far from it as possible)

Holidays are an entirely different beast, no matter whether it’s the Fourth of July or Labor Day. There are generally more people flying in the days around a holiday, so there are fewer airplane seats available and higher prices.

To get the best deal, book as early as possible. Because many airlines have flexible cancellation policies, it doesn’t hurt to lock in a decent rate ahead of time and rebook if the flight price drops in the months after. According to Google Flights’ 2023 insights, the best time to book a mid-December holiday flight is 71 days before departure.

In many cases, the best day to fly will be further out from the holiday. If the holiday falls on a Monday, flying the Tuesday before will likely be cheaper than flying the Friday before. You can also look at flying on the holiday itself. For example, flying on Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day is usually much more affordable than flying on the days before or after.

Here are our recommendations for when to fly around some of the major holidays based on recent checkpoint data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):

The best days to fly around Memorial Day .

The best days to fly around Fourth of July .

The best days to fly around Labor Day .

The best days to fly around Thanksgiving .

The best days to fly around Christmas .

The best days to fly around the winter holidays .

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Tips to find cheap flights any day of the week

Book one to three months in advance.

Even though no day of the week consistently has cheaper flights, there is a time period during which you should book before prices go up.

Going, a flight deals aggregator, recommends booking domestic flights one to three months in advance to avoid any price surges in the weeks leading up to the departure date. Last-minute flight deals aren’t super common and you risk not getting a seat at all because your desired flight might ultimately sell out. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll want to look two to eight months out.

It doesn’t hurt to look at flight prices before the ideal booking window. Google Flights, for example, sometimes shows in the search results when it expects prices to be the lowest based on historical data for your route.

Set a price alert

Let a computer program do the work for you. Instead of checking flight prices every day, set a price alert on the travel search engine of your choice — whether it’s Google Flights , Hopper, Skyscanner or Kayak . They’ll send you an email when they see the price drop.

Rebook if you find a cheaper price

Most airlines have adopted more flexible change and cancellation policies , which make it easier to rebook your flight and save money.

First, you’ll have to make sure that the original flight you booked will not have change or cancellation fees. For most airlines, that applies to most main cabin and premium class tickets on domestic flights and some short-haul international flights. You usually cannot change or cancel basic economy tickets for free.

If you can cancel or change without fees, set a price alert. When the price drops, you can cancel your flight and rebook (on the same airline or a different one) to get the cheaper price. Be aware that you might only get a travel voucher or credit if you cancel, so you should only use the option if you are fairly confident you will fly with the original airline again within one year.

Be flexible with destination, airport and dates

The golden rule of cheap travel remains: Be flexible . Use Google Flights to see if there are cheaper places to go by leaving the destination field blank when you search. Check nearby airports if you’re set on a destination and use the calendar views to find lower prices on different dates. Maybe embrace a long layover as a chance to see another city on your trip.

After all, the best day to book a flight and the best day to fly is when it’s cheapest, and that could vary depending on when and where you are going.

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The Best and Worst Days to Fly

Caroline Costello

Caroline Costello's travel accomplishments include surviving a 2 a.m. whitewater rafting excursion in the Canadian wilderness, successfully biking from Dusseldorf to Cologne without a map, and gaining access to a covert pizza speakeasy in New Orleans.

Caroline is an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Her work has appeared on USA Today , the Boston Globe , AOL.com, MSNBC.com, ABC News, TODAY Travel, and CruiseCritic.com, among other publications.

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Airfares jolt up and down like a plane caught in turbulence. The airlines use computer systems to set ticket prices based on a complicated mix of factors, including competition, demand, the state of the economy, seasonality, taxes, the number of views on a YouTube cat video—you name it. That’s why it’s nearly impossible to predict exactly where ticket prices will fall on any given day of the year, and which will be the cheapest or best days to fly.

Thanks to a handful of websites that compile data based on everything from direct bookings to historical studies of published fares, it’s possible to analyze fare models and get at least a rough idea of the most expensive and cheapest days to fly during the year. Use this information to figure out when a potential flight will cost you top dollar—and when you can fly for a song.

The Worst Days to Fly

Thanks to high demand and correspondingly high fares, the following times of year are usually the most expensive days to fly.

Christmas and New Year’s

The Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel window is more or less a 17-day period that overlaps the two holidays by about five or six days, according to statistics gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Peak days always depend on when the weekends fall in relation to the holidays, since lots of people want to travel over convenient long weekends.

Note that it’s not unusual to see flights departing on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and sometimes the days immediately following or preceding the holidays that are cheaper than departures a few days out, depending on how they fall during the week. If you’re booking a holiday trip, use your booking engine’s flexible dates option to see which days will save you the most money.

Spring Break

Spring break peak travel dates vary by destination but generally extend from late February through the beginning of April. Most colleges and universities have spring break in March or even late February; meanwhile, families with school-age children vacation around Easter, which is usually in late March or April. Watch out for higher fares to beach and family destinations like Florida and the Caribbean during this time. (See Top 25 Ways to Save on a Caribbean Vacation for more help.)

If you’re visiting a destination that attracts the college set, such as Cancun or Punta Cana , but you’re looking to avoid wet T-shirt contests and noisy parties, here’s a tip. Take a look at this list from STA Travel , which outlines the spring break dates for American colleges and universities each year. Avoid planning your beach vacation around those dates.

Summer is high season for numerous destinations, and fares are accordingly driven higher by demand. The crest of summer travel is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, during which fares to most U.S., Canadian, and European destinations are at their peak. Three-day weekends around summer holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July are particularly expensive times to fly.

If you can put off your trip until mid-September or go in May instead of June, you’ll likely pay less than you would over the summer (not only for airfares but also for hotels once you arrive).

There are some exceptions to this rule. Summer is low season for U.S. mountain towns, the Caribbean, parts of Mexico, Costa Rica, and many places in the Southern Hemisphere like Australia and New Zealand.

Thanksgiving

Peak Thanksgiving travel dates are predictable year after year, as the holiday always falls on the fourth Thursday of November. The period from Wednesday through Sunday around Thanksgiving wins the award for Busiest Travel Time of the Year.

So when’s the best time to depart for the big family feast? The busiest and most expensive days are the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself typically offers the cheapest possible fares; the day after is often a pretty good deal as well. As with Christmas and New Year’s, you’ll save by zigging when others zag; while everyone else plans to be back at work the Monday after Thanksgiving, you could save by extending your long weekend and flying home that day instead of Sunday.

The Best (and Cheapest) Days to Fly

So what is the cheapest day to fly? Read on to find out when travel demand tends to be lowest.

Winter/Low Season

Speaking of seasonality, here’s a hard, fast, and simple rule: The cheapest days to fly are low-season, non-holiday travel dates; this will vary based on your destination, largely because of weather. Because summer is the popular tourist season for an abundance of vacation spots, winter is a great time to seek out rock-bottom airfares. Look for amazingly cheap tickets to places that draw big crowds in summer, like Europe , Canada, and most U.S. destinations (except ski towns, Florida, and Hawaii). Excluding spring break and Thanksgiving, spring and autumn are also excellent occasions to find affordable shoulder-season fares to these destinations.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Unless you are the amazing Zoltar, it’s impossible to predict what the single cheapest day to fly will be. Even if you could gauge data from previous years to determine which day offered the lowest prices for your particular route, there’s no telling if the same pattern would happen the following year.

Travel experts generally agree on the cheapest travel days of the week. Fare tracker site Airfarewatchdog, SmarterTravel’s sister site, notes that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the two best days of the week to fly if you want to save some coin.

Thursdays and Saturdays

The next cheapest days of the week to fly are Thursday and Saturday. Saturday might sound like a popular—hence expensive—day to fly. But in truth, most travelers prefer to come back from vacation on Sunday to maximize their time away. The most popular days for business travelers, meanwhile, are Monday and Friday.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Ultimately, your best day to fly all depends on your route and your airline. I see plenty of airfare sales that restrict discounted dates to Tuesdays and Wednesdays only or Mondays through Thursdays. I’ve also seen international fare sales that tack on weekend surcharges and require a Saturday night stay. Airline, seasonality, current demand, and a barrage of other factors can completely overthrow the Tuesday/Wednesday rule of thumb … which brings me to my next point.

How to Do Your Own Flight Research

There’s that old saying about teaching a man to fish. I can give you scores of statistics, but you’re still going to want to know how to find the least expensive flights that work with your particular travel itinerary. Below are some useful resources to get you started.

SmarterTravel Tips and Advice for Finding Flights

To learn the basics, start with 10 Tips for Finding Cheap Airfare , which offers 10 tricks for grabbing the cheapest possible tickets available. It’s a must-read for flyers. Other useful stories include 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Flight and Want the Lowest Fare? Here’s When to Book . SmarterTravel has also put together a list of The 10 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare .

Airfarewatchdog for Fare Alerts

I love Airfarewatchdog because it does the work for you. Sign up for free fare alerts from your local gateway, and the site will send you email notifications when fares for your itinerary drop.

Predictive Services to Determine When to Book

When you search flights on Kayak.com , the site typically offers a prediction for whether you should buy or wait, along with a chart of recent fare trends for that itinerary. The site uses data to predict whether the fare is likely to rise or fall in the next seven days.

The Hopper app ( iOS | Android ) offers a similar predictive service, telling you to buy or wait once you enter your itinerary. It will alert you when the price drops and its prediction changes from “wait” to “buy.”

What to Wear on Your Flight

Women’s comfy outfit to wear on a flight with girlfriend collective leggings, shop the look.

Moisturizing Cream

High-Rise Legging

Ribbed Cardigan

Cotton Crew

Wool Loungers

Men’s comfy outfit for an airplane with ugg shoes.

Half-Zip Sweatshirt

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Jogger Pants

Weekend Bag

More from smartertravel:.

• What Not to Wear on a Plane (and What’s Perfectly Fine)
• 10 Ways to Get the Best Airplane Seat
• 10 Ways to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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The Best Day of the Week To Book a Flight [2024 Data Study]

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What Does a Flight Cost Every Day of the Week?

Which airlines experience the most consistent pricing, methodology, final thoughts.

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When it comes to air travel, timing is everything. From the moment you decide to embark on your journey to the decision on departure times to the second you secure your ticket, timing plays a pivotal role in shaping your travel experience. We’d like to take some time today to focus on the latter.

If you’re a regular traveler, chances are you’ve heard the myth that the day you choose to book your flight can play a crucial role in how much the ticket costs, even if the flight isn’t set to depart for a month. It sounds a little odd, but it turns out that it might not be such a tall tale.

We collected airfare costs from Google Flights for 10 of the busiest domestic flight routes over 4 weeks to determine if the day you book a flight impacts how much it will cost. We analyzed over 44,000 flights and got insight into day-of-week costs for 8 popular U.S. airlines. If you want to save a few bucks the next time you book a flight, buckle up because we have some data to share.

Across every flight we analyzed, the average cost of a one-way economy class plane ticket was $225.21. But that price can swing depending on the day of the week you choose to actually book the flight. Let’s look at the data day by day.

Waiting until the end of the week to finally press the purchase button will cost you more than if you pulled the trigger earlier in the week.

Saturday emerged as the most expensive day of the week to book a flight , with an average ticket cost of $241.61 , followed by Friday, which experienced the second-most expensive cost at $238.47 . Waiting until the end-of-week rush to finalize flight plans comes at a premium.

This surge in pricing doesn’t seem to affect every day of the weekend, as the average cost of a flight on Sunday is $224.66 , much closer to the overall average.

As we move towards midweek, prices continue to level out a bit. Booking a flight on Wednesday will cost an average of $222.76 , while a Thursday booking averages $222.21 . Both are just a few dollars short of the overall average. 

For travelers looking to score the best possible deal, booking a flight early in the week would be your best bet. Mondays and Tuesdays experience the lowest prices of any day in our study. On Mondays, you can expect to pay an average of $213.44; on Tuesdays, the cheapest day to book a flight, that number drops just slightly to $213.31 .

Looks like your friend who has sworn for years that the day you book a flight does have an impact on cost wasn’t so loony after all. Next, we’ll uncover more secrets to smarter booking decisions by exploring the cheapest and most expensive days to book flights with major U.S. airlines.

The Best Day of the Week To Book a Flight by Airline

Whether you’re loyal to 1 airline or are just on the hunt for the best possible deal, our airline flight cost analysis can inform your trip planning so you have some extra cash to spend when you arrive at your destination.

American Airlines Aviators:

With an average flight cost of $279 across American Airlines flights in our study, the airline presents a pretty consistent cost pattern. Thursday emerges as the most expensive day to book, with tickets averaging $285.60. Putting off your purchase by just 24 hours could save you about $14 as the Friday average dips to $271.85, the second-cheapest day for American Airlines flights.

Delta Air Lines Dynamos:

In an interesting contrast to American, Delta Air Lines experiences a reverse relationship between Thursday and Friday bookings. Opting to purchase on a Thursday could yield significant savings, with an average cost of $181.05 compared to the $216.67 you could expect to pay on a Friday.

JetBlue Jetsetters and Spirit Stans:

If you plan to book with JetBlue Airways or Spirit Airlines , you’ll want to do it as early in the week as possible as Monday and Tuesday are when their tickets are cheapest, on average. If you wait until the weekend, you can expect to foot the bill for some surge pricing. On JetBlue flights, the average price from Monday to Friday jumps $50(!). On Spirit, the increase is slightly less substantial, but booking on a Saturday instead of a Monday would cost you around $30 extra.

Users of United Airlines:

Not all airlines follow the same exact trend. For United Airlines , the fluctuations are a bit different. While United’s prices peak on Thursday ($299.47) and Friday ($298.36) like most other airlines, an interesting anomaly arises with Tuesday bookings, which also exhibit higher-than-average costs of $296.64. Conversely, Sunday ($281.66), Monday ($283.63), and Wednesday ($284.22) are the most cost-effective days when booking a flight with United.

American Airlines boasts the most consistent pricing in our study across every day of the week. The range between its most expensive (Monday) and least expensive (Sunday) booking day is just $14.67. United Airlines follows close behind with a range of $17.81.

Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines also have fairly tight ranges, with the gap between their cheapest and most expensive days of the week being just shy of $30. Users of Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines can expect slightly higher price discrepancies. Their price ranges come in at $35.76 and $36.28, respectively.

Two airlines that stand out above the rest regarding pricing surges depending on the day of the week. JetBlue Airways flights experience a range of nearly $60 between its most and least affordable days, while Hawaiian Airlines blows the rest of the airlines out of the water with a staggering range of $100.38. 

One thing to note is that our Hawaiian Airlines data only reflects flights from Honolulu to Maui. So, if you find yourself on that flight path, make sure to book your flight on a Monday or Tuesday!

To determine the most expensive days of the week to book a flight, we pulled Google Flights airfare cost data for 10 of the busiest U.S. domestic flight routes from OAG every day for 4 weeks. Costs in the study are based on one-way economy flight options for each flight route. Using this method, our analysis takes into account over 44,000 flights.

All flight costs reflect booking a flight 3 to 4 weeks in advance on the same day of the week to remove any time-based bias from the data. For example, the flight data collected for the week of March 25th was for flights set to depart on May 19th. All data collected followed that same pattern.

To calculate the average cost of a plane ticket by day of the week, we averaged all flight costs for that day. We then did this for the 8 airlines listed and the 10 flight paths we used as the basis for the study.

Southwest Airlines was excluded from the study because their flight data is not published on Google Flights. 

While the flight prices we’ve explored change day by day, one thing remains constant: the importance of informed decision-making in travel booking. As prices continue to rise, savvy travelers will be looking to save where they can. We hope our dissection of price variations helps you identify the optimal booking window for whichever airline you choose to use. May your bookings be seamless and your experiences unforgettable. Fly smarter with Upgraded Points.

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About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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Simple Flying

A 'peak' at the busiest & quietest days in the week to fly.

It's nice to be able to avoid congestion if possible.

Arriving early at the airport can be fantastic if there is no one else around. There’s time to do duty-free shopping, grab a bite to eat, or even relax in the lounge . But there is nothing more frustrating than arriving in plenty of time, only to find that bag drop and security queues are so long that you end up sprinting to your gate.

Other days, you can plan to arrive just in time and find yourself sailing through an almost deserted airport with plenty of time to spare. So which days should you look to avoid if you want the airport to yourself?

Weekend vs weekdays

When it comes to which day of the week is the quietest, there isn’t a definitive answer. It is worth doing some research into the airport you are flying from. However, Tuesday and Wednesday are often less busy. This is because you have to take more days off work to fly mid-week, which people are usually reluctant to do. Upgraded Points notes that these days are also often cheaper.

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In contrast, traveling close to or at the weekend is typically more expensive, as well as busier. Leisure travelers looking to enjoy a weekend away tend to go Friday and Monday. At the same time, passengers who commute every week for work also travel Monday and Friday to return home for the weekend. As such, Sundays can be busy as business travelers try to get a head start on the week ahead.

Similarly, people traveling for extended vacations tend to travel during the weekend to maximize holiday time. Friday nights and Saturday mornings can see some airports busier than ever, so Office Needle advises traveling before 4 PM on Fridays. Weekend flights are more in demand and subsequently more expensive.

The exception to the rule

There is one big exception to the rule: package holiday companies. For some tourist destinations, a large percentage of flights are operated by, or in partnership with, package holiday companies. In these cases, if you aren’t traveling with one of these companies, the quietest day is just whatever day isn’t changeover day.

The airline industry is always full of new developments! What aviation news will you check out next?

Generally, there is a standardized changeover day (or days), when holiday companies carry vast numbers of passengers over two days. Typically, this is the weekend, but if they want to allow passengers a whole weekend at the destination, changeover day can be mid-week. If the changeover day is a Tuesday, then this will become the busiest day, while the weekend might become very quiet.

The best time

As the old saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. If you can’t fly on one of the quieter days, then getting up early is your best option. If the flight leaves before 8 AM, meaning you have to arrive around 6 AM, you should be in for a quiet time. This is because fewer people bother (or at least prefer) to travel that early.

However, not everyone can function that early. If you’re more of a night owl, then flying late is also a good option. It may be busier than morning, as many people who fly for business will fly overnight to arrive in time for meetings the next day. So, while you will have to deal with more travelers, they are more likely to be frequent flyers who are familiar with the airport routine, reducing congestion.

In general, traveling on Tuesday or Wednesday will mean you avoid the highest fares and the busiest times. However, you will have to take more time off work if your job conforms to the normal working schedule. If you don’t have a choice, then an early morning flight will reduce the chance of having to queue for hours.

If you are less of a fan of waking up early or staying up late, and prefer to travel in the middle of the day, then you will typically be more likely to have to be prepared to face the crowds. Of course, if you’re flying over a holiday period or to a major event, busier airports and flights are to be expected at most times.

Do you have any tips or tricks for a smooth airport experience? When do you prefer to fly? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

Sources: Office Needle , Upgraded Points

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19 October 2022

Today,  Expedia ®  released its 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, providing the latest essential tips to save travellers time and money on flights. Created in partnership with the  Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)  and leveraging insights from its massive air ticket database, the annual report has become an authority for eight years running on air travel trends, revealing data-backed hacks for travellers, including:

• Best day of the week to book airfare and catch the lowest prices
• The sweet spot for booking airfare
• How to minimize the risk of being impacted by delays and cancellations
• Cheapest day of the week to depart

View the full 2023 Air Travel Hacks report on the Expedia blog, including more ways to avoid flight delays, maximize loyalty and rewards programs and save on every trip.

Top tips from the 2023 Air Travel Hacks report include:

• Book airfare on a Sunday to save on average 15%. 1  Travellers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 15% on domestic flights and 10% on international flights.
• Book at least two months before domestic flights to save 40%. 2 Travellers that booked during this period saved nearly 40% on average compared to those who waited until a month prior to departure.
• Book at least three months before international flights to save 10%. 2 Travellers that booked during this period saved nearly 10% on average compared to those who waited until two months or less prior to departure.
• Depart  before  3 p.m. to reduce chance of cancellations. 3  Based on year-to-date flight status data, flights that depart between 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. are the least likely to be cancelled. Flights departing after 3 p.m. have a 15% higher chance of cancellation on average than those that depart earlier in the day.
• Depart on a Friday to save up to 20% on domestic flights. 4  For domestic travel, avoid departing Saturday – Monday, which are the priciest days to start a trip. Departing on a Friday versus the beginning of the week saved travellers 20%. Thursday is a great alternative where travellers saved 10% on average overall. For international travel, Thursday is cheapest, while Sunday and Monday are most expensive respectively. Departing on a Wednesday versus the beginning of the week saved travellers 5%.

“This report does more than save people money,” said Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands. “It’s about the time savings and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have industry leading data-based tips at your fingertips to inform booking decisions.”

“While it has been a volatile recovery, our data indicates travel is beginning to normalize with travellers taking advantage of flying again,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Airlines have improved their performance while both capacity and traveller demand continue to increase. We’re also starting to see business travellers return to the skies following the surge of leisure travel in the first half of 2022.”

1  Best day of the week to book recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2022, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database.

2  Ideal booking window recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2022, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database.

3  How to avoid flight cancellations based on January through August 2022 flight status data for flights originating in CA sourced from  OAG’s  global flight data platform. Percentages noted are averages.

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The Best Days to Book a Flight and When To Fly

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You're planning a trip, so you check flight prices to get an idea of what tickets will cost. Then, when you go to buy the ticket a few days later, the price has inexplicably gone up. What happened? Well, the day you fly can have a big influence on the cost, but so can the day you buy your ticket.

Avoid overpaying for flights by knowing the best days to book a flight and when to fly. Read on to learn more about how to get the best flight deals.

When is the best time to book a flight?

The best time to book a flight can depend on various factors such as the destination, the time of the year and the airline. However, there are few general guidelines to consider. For domestic flights, it is often recommended to book from one to three months in advance, and if you’re planning an international trip, booking two to eight months ahead is advised.

However, bear in mind that costs may vary depending on demand, seasonality and special occasions. Monitoring prices and setting up fare alerts can help you stay informed so you book your ticket when the price is right.

The best day of the week to book a flight

Research suggests that the day you choose to book a flight affects how much you pay for it. According to Expedia’s 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, booking on a Sunday may save you up to 5% on the total cost of domestic flights and up to 15% on international flights. Google Flights recommends booking a flight in the middle of the week instead.

Airlines announce deals throughout the week, prompting competitors to match each other’s sales at different points. The price adjustment process is primarily governed by computer software and various algorithms, rendering price fluctuations rather unpredictable. To maximize your savings, start looking early and consistently monitor fare rates so you can act when the best deal comes up.

The best time to book international flights

For international travel, the rule of thumb is to book two to eight months in advance. This window offers the best combination of flight availability and affordability.

Prices vary depending on the popularity of the destination and the peak tourist season. For example, when flying to a popular destination such as the Caribbean between mid-December and mid-April, or visiting Italy in the summer, it is advisable to make advanced bookings to secure the best prices and flight times. A similar approach applies during New Year's Eve and the holiday season, as many people have time off for vacations.

The best time to book domestic flights

If you're planning a domestic flight, the best time to book is one to three months in advance. According to Expedia, you can expect to pay about 20% more if you book within 21 days of departure. On the other hand, you may save about 15% if you book at least two months in advance.

The best time to travel

Flying throughout the week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is frequently less expensive than traveling during the weekend because there is less demand. If you don't mind sacrificing a little sleep for a good deal, early morning and late night flights also tend to be cheaper and less crowded, making for a smoother airport experience.

If possible, you should also avoid traveling on major national holidays. For example, if you're planning a trip to the U.S. over the Thanksgiving holiday, you may save a significant amount of money by traveling on a date that's farther away from the holiday itself.

Seasonality also has a big impact on flight demand and prices. The best time to travel to popular vacation destinations usually falls within the "shoulder season," which is the period between peak and off-peak seasons.

Shoulder seasons typically occur in Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November), although specific timings may vary by destination. Choosing to travel during the shoulder season allows you to enjoy favorable weather, great deals and smaller crowds at your chosen destination.

How to book a flight

Booking a flight can be time-consuming due to the multitude of flight search engines and options available. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are four essential steps to booking a flight: planning your trip, searching for flights, comparing prices and purchasing your ticket. Follow a structured approach to find the best deals and make the process more manageable.

Outline your travel plans

Unless you can afford to travel on a whim, outlining your vacation itinerary is the first step in reserving a flight. Choose your destination, potential trip dates and desired departure and arrival times. When picking your vacation dates, consider factors like weather, regional events and the busiest travel seasons — all these factors can influence ticket prices and availability. Once you know your vacation itinerary, start looking into flights and establishing an airfare budget.

Start shopping around months in advance

To increase your chances of finding the best deals when booking flights online, give yourself plenty of time to monitor prices. Start monitoring flight prices earlier than the optimal booking windows mentioned above in case deals show up farther in advance. By starting your search early, you'll have more time to track prices, compare different airlines and routes and take advantage of sales or promotions.

Compare flights on multiple flight search engines

When searching for flights, compare your options on multiple flight search engines, as some platforms show information that isn't available on others. Certain websites offer fare projections, indicating the likelihood of finding a better deals and recommending waiting a few days before booking a flight. Additionally, using a flight search engine with calendar views can simplify the process of comparing fares for different departure and arrival times.

Check out websites that aggregate flight information from multiple airlines, allowing you to compare prices and options quickly and easily. Some search engines can present data from airline websites and competitor aggregator sites at a glance so you can get a quick idea of market rates for your itinerary.

In addition, some booking websites offer exclusive deals or discounts that are unavailable on other platforms. These deals tend to be short-lived, so do your research to know when a great ticket-buying opportunity is likely to arise. Just be sure when you're searching to include the number of seats you want because many sites only have a certain number of tickets available at each price.

Book your plane tickets

After you've thoroughly researched and compared your options, book your tickets. If you're purchasing through a flight search engine or aggregator, it is advisable to check the airline's website as well. Occasionally, airlines offer exclusive sales for direct bookings. Plus, booking directly with the airline provides access to the most current flight information.

If you are considering a third-party flight platform, be sure to review their policies regarding delays, changes, cancellations and other common flight issues before finalizing your ticket purchase.

Before making the payment, double-check all your travel details, including your name and the names of fellow travelers, travel dates and destination. Finally, take the time to review the airline's cancellation and flight change policies, as these can vary and impact your ability to modify your travel plans if needed. Many sites offer the option to buy trip insurance. Knowing how to get a flight refund if you need it will give you peace of mind.

Once you have your tickets, consider buying travel insurance if you want to get coverage for lost luggage, travel delays or medical emergencies. Choose one of the best travel insurance companies for a worry-free trip.

Tips for booking the cheapest flights

Finding affordable flights can be challenging, but with some strategic planning and a bit of flexibility, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a great deal.

Be flexible with departure days and arrival time

One of the most effective ways to find cheaper flights is to be flexible with your departure and arrival times. Flying on weekdays, mainly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, results in lower airfare than on weekends. Additionally, early-morning and late-night flights are often cheaper than peak-time flights. Be open to traveling on different days and at varying times to have a better chance of finding an affordable flight.

Having a long layover is not necessarily a bad option. In fact, it can provide an exciting opportunity to explore a new city during your travel. Also, opting for an airport hotel to get some sleep during an overnight layover may be more cost effective compared to shorter layovers or nonstop flights.

Some search engines allow you to select multiple travel days to compare prices if you have flexible dates. If you can travel on different dates, use this feature to find a better deal.

Use airline miles and points

If you travel frequently, using airline miles and loyalty points can save you money on flights. Most airlines offer loyalty programs where you earn miles or points for each flight you take, which you can redeem for discounted or even free flights. Accumulating rewards incentivizes you to book with the same airline, so choose the best airline rewards program for your needs.

The best airline credit cards provide travel benefits that help you accrue points quickly. Learn how to get the best travel reward deals to minimize your overall travel spending and catch some fantastic airline prices.

Use a flight price tracking tool

Use a flight price tracking tool to guarantee you're getting the best possible value on your journey. Some websites and apps let you set up deal alerts for specific routes and travel dates. By monitoring the market and staying informed about price fluctuations, you can book your flight at the most favorable time and secure a better fare.

Look into buy now, pay later services

Another option to consider when booking a flight is to use a buy now, pay later flight. These services, such as Affirm, Klarna and PayPal Credit, let you book your flight and pay for it in installments over a specified period of time. This can be helpful if you need to book a flight but don't have the funds available upfront.

Read the terms and conditions carefully and be aware of any interest or fees that apply. You can also consider using one of the best travel credit cards to defer your trip costs.

How far in advance can you book a flight?

The time frame for booking a flight vary among airlines, typically allowing reservations from 11 to 12 months in advance. However, just because you can book far ahead doesn't necessarily mean you should.

Booking too far in advance can result in higher prices, as airlines may not release their best deals until closer to your flight date. Striking the right balance is crucial, ensuring you book early enough to secure preferred travel dates while also keeping an eye out for the optimal deals.

Summary: The best days to book a flight

Getting a great price on your flights from one of the best airlines is the first step toward a more cost-effective and hassle-free travel experience.

Buying tickets at the right time can have a big impact on the overall budget for a trip. Saving $100 on a flight, for instance, could be enough to book an extra fun activity or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

Since everyone's trip plans and preferences are different, be proactive and consider your personal wants and needs. Research and monitor airline pricing to get the greatest offers.

If you're planning a trip, check out our guide on the best places to travel .

Know when to book your next trip.

Actually, there is a perfect time to go on your vacation. Our Best Time to Travel tool uses your origin, destination and length of trip to determine when you should travel and when to book for a great price. Start by filling in your travel details, and we'll take it from there.

Methodology

Calculation: our recommendation.

Our recommendation on which month to travel is calculated based on the presented four factors: average flight prices, popularity, average temperature, and average precipitation. Flight prices, popularity, and precipitation constitute inverse factors, the less the better. Average temperature optimal values are taken as the median for the destination, and a difference is calculated for each month from this reference point. The smaller the difference the higher the month moves in the recommendation. Flight prices and temperature factors are weighed double as much as popularity and precipitation. December is excluded due to ambiguous price and popularity patterns around Christmas travel. In case of unavailable data for any of the aforementioned factors, the recommendation is estimated based on the rest of the available factors.

Data: flight prices

Prices are estimates based on analysis of current and historical minimum roundtrip prices for one traveler. Prices include monthly averages as well as the greatest and least percentages in intervals of ten for each trip length. With our data, we try to forecast future minimum price trends - these estimates are subject to change and should be interpreted as a rough directional guide.

Data: hotel prices

Overall insights for hotel prices are based on our own search data from the past 3 - 4 days and insights can be updated once a day. To estimate nightly rates for a standard double-room at 3-star hotels, we show the pricing range excluding the top 10% and bottom 10% of prices for a given destination. If there are missing insights, that means that we don't have enough data from the past 3 - 4 days on the given destination to provide a reliable estimate.

Data: popularity

Monthly crowd estimates for each destination are determined by internal flight and hotel search data. This includes most recent historical insights using a 9-month range which is updated on a monthly basis. This data is measured by considering the highest number of searches per month to represent the period with the most crowds.

Data: weather

Weather data is pulled from a third party site, Weatherbase , and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data is based on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in realtime from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.

Data: best time to book

Best time to book insights are estimated from our internal historical search data. Search data from the past year is aggregated for each day difference between date of departure and search date from 0 to 183 days (about 6 months ahead is the earliest we consider), taking the bottom 10 percentile of hotel prices and flight prices of economy class. The minimum prices and corresponding day difference is identified to approximate best times to book flight tickets for the specific route, and hotels for the specific destination city. The underlying dataset is updated weekly. In case of missing insights, the route or destination city in question have less than 40 data points per day difference, thus we cannot generate reliable estimates.

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Best Day of the Week to Travel By Car (or RV)

What's the best day of the week to travel by car (or rv) here's the answer.

• 1 What's the best day of the week to travel by car (or RV)? Here's the answer!
• 2 Factors That Affect the Best Day to Drive
• 3 The Best Day of the Week to Travel by Car (or RV)
• 4 Worst Day of the Week to Travel by Car (or RV)
• 5 Best Times of the Day to Travel by Car (or RV)
• 6 Worst Times of Day to Travel by Car (or RV)
• 7 Other Things to Consider
• 8 Travel Insurance
• 9 RV GPS Apps
• 10 RV Lifestyle eBooks and Guides

Is it time to set out on the great American road trip? Driving in the United States is almost like a rite of passage for some people. It is a great way to see different locations, from rural countryside to big cities.

You also encounter negative things, like traffic.

It does not matter what you drive: your own car, a rental car, giant RV, small RV, or camper van. You do not want to find yourself in poor driving conditions.

That is why I put together the following guide about the best day of the week to travel by car. It'll tell you the best days and times to travel so that you can avoid gridlock and the headaches that come along with it. It can also help you avoid an accident, especially if this will be your first time taking a road trip.

Factors That Affect the Best Day to Drive

There are many factors that can impact the best day of the week to travel by car (or RV). Traffic and accident information is important, but we need to factor things like campground availability, too.

In addition, I have taken into consideration the best times to access gas stations, grocery stores, and hardware stores.

One great traffic and accident resource I pulled information from is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) .

The Best Day of the Week to Travel by Car (or RV)

According to the statistics, the best day of the week to travel by car (or RV) is Wednesday . Tuesday is your second best choice.

When asking RVers when they like to travel, most cited Tuesday as the best day to drive. Monday was their second favorite day (probably because it's the first day after a weekend stay).

No matter if you travel on Tuesday or Wednesday, there are some advantages. The traffic tends to be lighter in and around big cities on those days of the week.

Another reason is that there will be more availability at first-come, first-served campgrounds. Most crowds come nearer the weekend. You can be settled in and exploring the area before many of the other travelers arrive.

Another reason those days make great driving days are that most service shops and other stores are open midweek. If you have an emergency, it will be easier to get help. Or, if you need to pick up any forgotten items, you will be able to do so.

Worst Day of the Week to Travel by Car (or RV)

According to the IIHS website, most fatal vehicle collisions occur on Saturday. The second most deadly day of the week is Friday, followed closely by Sunday.

Overall, the statistics show weekend driving is more dangerous than driving during the week. That is likely because more people are on the road during non-rush hour times.

They may also be embarking on long drives, or taking a scenic route, to travel somewhere. A long trip includes more gas stops or visits to historic sites. All of which can lead to higher fatigue levels.

Furthermore, weekends' evenings tend to be more dangerous due to the increase of impaired drivers on the road. There are more people that drive drunk or under the influence of drugs than on weekdays. It is always a good idea to be a particularly defensive driver when traveling on weekend evenings!

On the weekends, people may have additional distractions, like children. Especially if they are driving the family to popular destinations. Family outings can cause longer stops, and overall longer days on the road, adding to parental fatigue.

When asked, RV owners tend to claim Sunday as the worst driving day. That is because the increased traffic can be nightmarish.

In addition, many businesses are closed on Sundays. Mechanic shops and stores tend to be closed those days, especially in small towns. An urgent matter on the open road may not be able to get addressed until Monday.

If traveling midweek is not possible for you, a great option may be to try and extend your weekend by a day. Traveling on Thursday or Monday can make for a safer and freer drive. If you are tied to travel on the weekends, a very good time to leave is in the early morning hours.

Best Times of the Day to Travel by Car (or RV)

It is usually a good option to leave in the morning if possible. Any time between dawn and 10:00 am tends to be the most popular choices.

Consider where you are leaving from. If you must travel through a big city, think about what time of day you need to get around big city traffic .

For example, when driving north from San Diego, you do not want to arrive in the Los Angles area during rush hour traffic.

Something else to consider is the direction that you will be driving. Heading west provides you with a good reason to leave in the morning, That way you will not have the sun in your eyes!

When driving east, afternoon driving is one of the best things you can do to avoid the sun.

Worst Times of Day to Travel by Car (or RV)

Overall, the worst time of day to travel is when it is dark outside. That includes both morning and night hours that do not have sunlight. Darkness comes with more impaired and fatigued drivers and colder temps that can worsen road conditions.

In addition, you want to consider when you will be hitting a big city. That way you can plan to avoid hitting their morning or evening rush hour traffic times.

Other Things to Consider

Now that you know the best day of the week to travel by car, here are some more things to consider.

Travel Insurance

While travel insurance might be an extra cost, it can cover you well in case of an emergency. Or, if you have to cancel some part of your trip due to extenuating circumstances.

RV GPS Apps

RV Life App and RV Trip Wizard can provide you with safe turn-by-turn routing that can help with trip planning. Get the best routes, especially if this is your first RV road trip!

Here are some other helpful apps to help you avoid traffic jams .

RV Lifestyle eBooks and Guides

RV Lifestyle has tons of eBooks and guides that can help you plan the most epic cross-country road trip! Are you visiting New Mexico, or somewhere else in the American west? Or maybe the Florida Keys?

Save a bundle by getting our eBook bundle…

Published on 2021-09-23

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

6 Responses to “Best Day of the Week to Travel By Car (or RV)”

June 14, 2023at12:54 pm , Shirley Jones said:

Is Sunday on Father’s Day a busy drive on Tn 40 to 75 around Atlanta ga

June 15, 2023at6:43 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Not sure but I think it is safe to say that Atlanta is just about always a busy drive. 🙂 Team RV Lifestyle

February 03, 2023at10:13 am , Rigoberto Reategui said:

I love your articles.

February 06, 2023at3:32 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Thanks, Rigoberto! Team RV Lifestyle

September 24, 2021at10:30 am , Susan Pope said:

I agree with most of the points made in the article. One other consideration, we have found, is construction. One positive point about is week-end is that most construction zones are not active on the week-end. We have found less delays due to construction driving on Sunday. It may not be enough to overcome the negatives of week-end travel but it is something to consider.

September 23, 2021at9:45 am , Best Day of the Week to Travel By Car (or RV) – Corky's Pages said:

[…] [Follow link] […]

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Best & Worst Days to Fly & Travel for the Holidays – Christmas & New Year’s 2024

As seen in our 2023 Christmas Travel Survey , 50.44% of American adults plan to travel to a vacation destination or holiday gathering for Christmas this year.

There are a limited number of flights available for Christmas and New Year’s, so it is important to book as early as possible for the best prices (ideally you have already booked your holiday travel). Additionally, some days are much better than others to fly when it comes to crowds and cost. This guide will detail how far in advance to book holiday travel as well as the best and worst days to fly.

Table of Contents

How Far in Advance to Book Holiday Travel

Ideally, you should book your Thanksgiving and Christmas flights many months in advance. As a rule, we suggest booking domestic flights at least one to three months in advance. For international flights, you should book at least two to eight months in advance, but the earlier the better. For the holidays, you should book even earlier if possible to guarantee a desirable route, time, seat, and price.

With Thanksgiving over, here are our recommended cutoff dates for booking Christmas flights for the 2023 holiday season.

Christmas (book before Thanksgiving)

The best deals on Christmas flights are usually available through late August and early September . If possible, book even earlier in June or July. At the latest, you should book by Thanksgiving, but the earlier the better. If it is December and you still do not have a flight, you should expect to pay a premium. Additionally, you will likely only have undesirable flight times to choose from with the potential for one or more connections. Here is a ranking of our recommended booking times.

• June, July, and August  – Best combination of inventory and cheap prices
• Early through Middle September  – Still a great time
• Early October  – Google’s recommendation. Cheap prices but lower inventory
• Thanksgiving  – Book Christmas flights by Thanksgiving at the latest
• December  – High prices and poor flights (connections, middle seats, bad times, etc.)

Further Reading: When to Book Christmas Flights – Best & Worst Times

Thanksgiving (book before Halloween)

I recommend booking your Thanksgiving flight by late August or early September for the best price. If possible, book in June or July. Book international flights even earlier. If you wait too long, you should aim to book by Halloween at the latest. While it is possible to get a decent deal after Halloween, your chances dramatically decrease. Your odds of finding a desirable flight time also go down when booking after Halloween. Here is a ranking of our recommended times.

• Early October  – Deals are still available but desirable flights may be limited
• Halloween  – Book Thanksgiving flights by Halloween at the latest
• November  – High prices and poor flights (connections, middle seats, bad times, etc.)

Further Reading: When to Book Thanksgiving Flights – Best & Worst Times

Best & Worst Days to Fly for the Holidays

Being on a Thursday every year, the best and worst days to fly for Thanksgiving are predictable. Christmas is a little more difficult since it does not fall on the same day of the week every year. Here are the days you should target and the days you should avoid this holiday season. To come up with our best and worst dates forecast, we sampled hundreds of flight prices around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our sample included numerous departure and arrival cities around the United States.

Christmas (best departure and return dates)

Our 2023 Christmas Travel Survey shows 50.44% of American adults plan to travel to a vacation destination or gathering. Since Christmas falls on a different day every year, the best days to fly change. Other things such as school and business closures affect the dates too. Christmas can fall on a weekend (as it did in 2022), which further complicates things. Generally, the worst day to fly for Christmas is December 23, but that is not a hard rule.

Best Christmas Travel Dates for 2023

The earlier you depart the week before Christmas the better. Americans will look to get a few days of work in before flying out. If possible, fly on Monday, December 18, or Tuesday, December 19. Sunday, December 17 is even better if you can swing it. Flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is ideal for cheaper prices and fewer crowds too, but you may not want to travel on a holiday.

Christmas falls on a Monday this year, so many people will fly home the day after. Tuesday, December 26 and Wednesday, December 27 will be popular travel days, so try and wait until Thursday or Friday.

Worst Christmas Travel Dates for 2023

The three days before Christmas Eve, the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, are going to be busy travel days. I recommend avoiding them and departing earlier in the week if you can.

Avoid the Tuesday and Wednesday after Christmas for your return flight. Despite being the day after Christmas, many people will fly home on Tuesday or Wednesday so they can return to work for a few days before the weekend.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Travel Tips

We recommend flying out for New Year’s on Thursday, December 28 or Friday, December 29. Fly home on Wednesday January 3 or Thursday January 4. While it is not ideal, flying out on the night of New Year’s Eve or the morning of New Year’s Day is generally cheap. Unfortunately, you will probably miss New Year’s Eve activities if you opt for an evening flight. An early New Year’s Day flight is not optimal either unless you can go bed very early on New Year’s Eve.

Avoid flying out on Saturday, December 30 and the morning of December 31.

Thanksgiving (best departure and return dates)

Our 2023 Thanksgiving Travel Survey shows more than 45.21% of American adults intend to travel to a vacation destination or holiday gathering last year. That means tens of millions of people will fight over seats for a very limited number of flights.

Best Thanksgiving Travel Dates for 2023

As the table shows, you want to depart early during the week. If possible, Sunday is even better than Monday. While not ideal, Thanksgiving Day is a great day to fly . Black Friday is also a good day to fly if you can swing a shorter trip.

Most people return home the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so aim to fly back on the Friday or Monday after Turkey Day. If you can wait another day, Tuesday is even better than Monday.

Worst Thanksgiving Travel Dates for 2023

Avoid the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at all costs. It is one of the most popular days of the year to fly, and it is expensive. Additionally, airports are always packed, so it is an extra stressful experience.

Avoid the Sunday after Thanksgiving for your return flight. Most people fly that day to get home before the workweek. I recommend flying home on Friday or Monday or Tuesday.

Average Holiday Flight Prices for 2023 – Thanksgiving ($300) and Christmas ($400)

With November here, flight prices are increasing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Expect to pay on average $300 for a roundtrip Flight for Thanksgiving. For Christmas, expect to pay on average $400 for a roundtrip flight.

Those prices will vary by your destination and dates of travel, so we recommend doing your homework before booking. If possible, travel on our recommended days and avoid the worst days.

We’ve found many domestic Thanksgiving and Christmas flights for under $200. We’ve also found various international Thanksgiving and Christmas flights for under $500.

Flexibility is the key to finding the absolute cheapest holiday flights. Use the Google Flights Explore map to find the best flight deals from your home airport or city around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Travel is Recovering for the 2023 Holiday Season

On most days, hundreds of thousands more travelers are going through TSA checkpoints compared to the same day as last year. For 2023, we expect holiday travel numbers to resemble or surpass 2019, which is the most recent pre-pandemic year.

Further Reading: What to Do if Your Airline Cancels or Delays Your Flight and How to Avoid Airline Flight Delays & Cancellations

Other Tips For Scoring a Cheap Holiday Flight Deal

Check out our guide to finding and booking cheap flights for additional tips. A few of the major tips may not be applicable with holiday travel (being very flexible on dates and destinations), but other guidelines can help. Here are a few of them.

• Do: Start With Google Flights
• Do: Be Open to Different Nearby Departure and Arrival Airports
• Do: Be Open to All Airlines
• Do: Be Open to Flights With Connections
• Don’t: Waste Your Time Clearing Cookies
• Don’t: Waste Your Time Browsing in Incognito

Additionally, our best websites to book cheap flights guide and top airline credit cards tutorial can help you save even more money.

Further Reading: Clearing Cookies or Searching Incognito Does Not Show Cheaper Flight Prices

The best days to fly for Thanksgiving are the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday before Turkey Day.

The worst day to fly for Thanksgiving is the Wednesday before.

The best days are the Friday, Monday, and Tuesday after Turkey Day. The worst day is the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

It is, but it is not ideal for most people.

It is, but most people do not want to fly home on the day after Thanksgiving.

Book by the middle of September at the latest for the best price, but you should ideally book earlier. Book even earlier for international flights. Do not wait until after Halloween to book.

It depends since Christmas is on a different day each year. Shoot for at least a few days before Christmas Eve.

Avoid the two days before Christmas Eve.

It depends since Christmas is on a different day each year. Shoot for at least a few days after Christmas.

Book by the middle of September for the best price. Book even earlier for international flights. Do not wait until after Thanksgiving to book.

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Ideally, you have already booked your 2023 holiday travel. If you have not done so already, there is still time to get a deal, but you need to move quickly. Shoot for the dates discussed in the article and avoid the bad ones. After the holidays are over, follow our best days of the week to fly and our best day of the week to book flights guides.

By Phil Dengler

In addition to being a co-founder of The Vacationer, Phil Dengler is also the head of editorial and marketing. Previously, he ran a popular holiday deals website where he was a trusted source for all things Black Friday. With The Vacationer, Phil combines his knowledge of deals with his love of travel to help you plan the perfect vacation.

Thanksgiving Travel Survey 2022 — 43%+ to Travel; 66%+ Say Inflation is Affecting Plans; 29% to Spend $501+ on Travel; Cranberry Sauce Most Hated Food

When to Book Thanksgiving Flights – Travel Guide & Tips for 2024

When to Book Christmas Flights – Travel Guide & Tips for 2024

These are the best times to buy an international flight

Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Don't fret about your airfare budget if you're planning an international trip and trying to pinch pennies. Just plan ahead and study the best times to book.

While you can often find great deals year-round thanks to regular flash sales from the biggest airlines, you can't always rely on the timing. In these situations, it's good to look at wider booking trends and the seasonality of your destination when deciding how far in advance you should book.

When is the best time to buy international flights? Is it worth waiting for a last-minute deal, or should you lock in that airfare right this second? CheapAir — a website where you can search for inexpensive airfare and compare flights — looked at all the possible days to book trips from the U.S. to different regions worldwide. The website identified which days are best to score the cheapest airfare.

Which days of the week are the cheapest to fly?

Generally, Tuesday and Wednesday are always the least expensive days of the week to fly; Sunday is, more often than not, the most expensive. On average, you could save between $25 and $350 by traveling on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your destination. When exactly to book, however, does vary between regions.

You'll find a summary of the website's other findings and a more detailed breakdown of CheapAir's results below.

Best time to buy: Three to 10 months before your travel date.

Cheapest months to travel: February and March.

Most expensive months to travel: August and December.

Fares in spring and fall tend to be marginally better — roughly $25 less — than those in winter and summer. If you're traveling as a family, you may find these savings worth it; if you're a solo traveler, this amount of money is fairly minimal and might not be worth changing your travel plans around to keep in your wallet.

If you're planning a summer trip, you'll ideally want to look to book around eight to 10 months in advance to take advantage of the lowest fares; winter is similarly aligned. Fall and spring, however, see the best fares as late as five to six months before travel.

Best time to buy: One to five months before your travel date.

Cheapest months to travel: January and February.

Airfare to Mexico is fairly consistent throughout the year but can be slightly cheaper in January and February if you really want to save those pennies.

Broadly speaking, you don't need to give yourself too much time between booking and traveling unless you're looking for a December winter getaway. If so, it's best to book about seven months before your travel date.

Best time to buy: Two to five months before your travel date.

Cheapest months to travel: September and October.

Most expensive months to travel: July and December.

Traveling to the Caribbean from the U.S. is relatively straightforward if you're looking for optimal pricing with good options dotted throughout every month.

If you're looking for a Christmas escape, you might want to book around five months before you plan to travel. During summer, you can often find good late deals — about one to two months before traveling.

Central America and South America

Unsurprisingly it's more expensive flying to both Central America and South America during the summer and winter months — particularly around the holidays.

If you're looking for the perfect window, consider traveling to the region during spring, when ticket prices are about $50 to $60 less on average than during other seasons.

South Pacific

Best time to buy: Nine to 10 months before your travel date.

Cheapest months to travel: January and April.

Most expensive months to travel: October and November.

To really see any savings on flights to the South Pacific from the U.S., you'll need to look at booking at least eight months out.

If you're hoping to travel in spring or fall, you can afford to wait a little longer since the differences in savings are fairly minimal.

Best time to buy: 10 months before your travel date.

As with travel to the South Pacific, Asia doesn't deviate too much. You'll want to book at least eight months out to find the best prices.

The busiest months tend to be August and December (around the Christmas rush). If you're flexible, spring and fall may offer better prices.

Best time to buy: One to seven months before your travel date.

Cheapest months to travel: October and November.

Most expensive months to travel: May and June.

It goes without saying that the most expensive time to travel to Europe is during the summer months. Average airfares will regularly come in at more than $1,100. Plus, once you arrive, you'll be competing for space with European vacationers looking for some sun closer to home.

If you're flexible with your travel dates, you might find that fall shoulder season fares come in, on average, about $200 less than summer fares. Depending on your destination, you can still chase the weather and sunbathe in sunny climates.

With consistent flights to Europe running throughout all seasons, you can find good fares quite late in the game. If you'd rather get your plans settled early, look to book around six to seven months before you travel.

Middle East

Best time to buy: Two to 10 months before your travel date.

The sweet spot for booking flights to the Middle East from the U.S. appears to be about eight months before you're set to travel.

The winter and summer periods are definitely the busiest here. If you're traveling during the spring and fall, you have a little more leeway regarding when to book. You can often find good deals around two to three months before you travel.

Cheapest month to travel: February.

Most expensive month to travel: July.

If you're planning an escape to Africa, it's wise to book your flights as early as possible throughout most of the year. The only outlier is if you want to visit in spring when you can often get good deals for flights quite close to your planned departure date — around three months before.

Keep in mind that the rainy season falls during the spring months in some parts of the continent.

Bottom line

If you can plan far ahead, it can pay to book travel many months in advance. If you need a shorter booking window, it is still possible to find good fares as long as you're flexible with both the destination and the conditions in your chosen locale (as deals are commonly available during off-season periods when the weather might not be entirely desirable).

Note: While the above information is a fairly consistent guide to finding the best prices to travel, there are always outliers. For example, trips to London during the coronation or Munich during Oktoberfest will probably cost more since these are peak tourist times. In these instances, it's often worth checking for flight deals or holding out for flash sales.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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It’s Your Last Chance to Shop Wayfair’s Way Day Sale

In this article

For the living room, for the kitchen, for the bedroom, for the patio and outdoors, for cleaning.

Wayfair’s Way Day sale , like so many sales with day in their name, is definitely not just one day (it took place across three days this year and started on Saturday). But it all comes to an end tonight, May 7, at 2:49 a.m. ET, so now’s your last chance to peruse and buy those Breuer-esque barstools you’ve been eyeing. The home site’s been running this sale since 2018, and it’s a reliably good place to get good discounts on big-ticket items. In past years, we’ve found on-sale patio furniture , deals on coffee-makers and cookware from brands like Moccamaster and Le Creuset , and tons of on-sale furniture and décor pieces for every room in your home, from office desks to sofas to bath towels .

To save you hours of scrolling, I’ve pulled out all the best picks from the sale so far — including plenty of Strategist-recommended patio gear , inexpensive living-room furnishings, and kitchen appliances — and sorted them into categories for easy browsing. But if you want to scroll the sale yourself, you can find everything on sale on the main Wayfair Way Day Sale page .

It’s a good time to get a great deal on large furnishings, like sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables. But if all you’re looking for is décor, I also found plenty of throw pillows and rugs on sale, as well as a rather chic olive-green dog pillow.

The kitchen section is surprisingly robust this year: I found a nice knife set from Zwilling J.A. Henckels — one of our favorite knife makers — as well as a stylish bar cart and a Staub bakeware set.

For those looking to give their bed a spring refresh, there’s plenty of bedding to choose from, like a Nautica percale sheet set and our best cooling memory-foam pillow . As for furnishings, I spotted a nice-looking industrial nightstand and a cute bed frame for kids’ rooms.

As is usually the case with Way Day, the outdoor section is the most robust. I found a best-in-class clothes-drying rack , a covered fire pit , and plenty of outdoor-seating options. And if you’re looking for an early Father’s Day gift, I also found a slightly smaller version of the Blackstone flattop gas grill included in our gifts for grillers guide.

I wasn’t expecting to find so many vacuums on sale but was delighted to spot plenty of options from one of our favorite brands, Bissell (including a version of our favorite portable carpet cleaner .)

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 50 Best Amazon Deals That Are Just for Prime Members This Weekend — Starting at $6

It pays to be a Prime member.

• Best Amazon Prime Member Deals Overall
• Best Amazon Prime Member Luggage and Bag Deals
• Best Amazon Prime Member Accessory Deals

Best Amazon Prime Member Travel Clothing Deals

• Best Amazon Prime Member Tech Deals
• Best Amazon Prime Member Outdoor Deals

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

PSA: Amazon is spoiling its Prime Members this month with exclusive discounts up to 56 percent on nearly everything. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect: As we gear up for the busiest travel season of the year, shoppers can score deals on some of Amazon's best-selling travel essentials . 

To make your life easier, I’ve gone ahead and sifted through the thousands of Just for Prime deals to find the best discounts on luggage , travel accessories , warm-weather fashion , and electronics . But remember: These deals are just for Prime members. If you’re not signed up, you can always take advantage of a free 30-day trial to unlock the best member-only deals, along with a number of other perks like Prime Video and fast shipping.

Best Amazon Prime Member Deals Overall 

• Delsey Paris Chatelet Hardside Carry-on Luggage , $220 (originally $322)
• Veken Packing Cube Set , $15 with coupon (originally $20)
• Anker Portable Charger , $16 (originally $20)
• Maxtop Crossbody Bag , $10 (originally $20)
• ExploreBliss Travel Pillow , $10 (originally $16)
• Mcporo Workout Shirt Set , $20 (originally $26)
• Sunzel Workout Leggings , $20 (originally $30) 
• Nutale Bluetooth Tracker Set , $32 (originally $40)
• Yuzonc Camping Sleeping Pad , $28 (originally $35) 
• Unp Store 10-person Camping Tent , $145 (originally $179)  

If you don’t already have a set of compressing and organizing packing cubes, snag a set of the Veken Packing Cubes while they’re on sale for $15 thanks to double discounts. And if you need to keep a charge on all of your devices, you can’t go wrong with the Anker Portable Charger . Plus, the top-rated Delsey Paris Chatelet Hardside Carry-on Luggage that has handy spinner wheels has been slashed by $102. 

Delsey Paris Chatelet Hardside Carry-on Luggage

Veken packing cube set, best amazon prime member luggage and bag deals .

With summer travel on the horizon, Amazon has discounted suitcases, backpacks, and crossbody bags for every trip and occasion. If you’re headed to a festival or concert this season, consider adding the Bagail Clear Crossbody Tote to your packing list, especially while it’s on sale for $11. As for great luggage options, Amazon has exclusive deals on the Hanke Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set for $333 (it comes with a carry-on, medium bag, and a checked suitcase), as well as top-rated Travelpro suitcases . 

• Hanke Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set , $333 (originally $370) 
• Suitour Hardshell 2-Piece Luggage Set , $118 (originally $140) 
• Hanke Hardside 2-Piece Luggage Set , $243 (originally $270) 
• G4free Store Sling Shoulder Bag , $16 (originally $20)
• Bagail Clear Crossbody Tote , $10 (originally $13)
• Mark Ryden Travel Backpack , $59 (originally $69)
• Travelpro Pathways 3 Hardside Expandable Medium Suitcase , $187 (originally $220)
• Bagsure Travel Backpack , $25 with coupon (originally $30)    

Maxtop Crossbody Bag

Best amazon prime member accessory deals .

There are travel accessories galore for Prime members, including the on-sale Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan for $15 and the Zannaki Metal Travel Pill Organizer that’s been slashed to just $19. Travelers should also peep this $10 ExploreBliss Travel Pillow , which shoppers hail as the “best travel pillow [they’ve] ever used.”

• Reimot Luggage Travel Cup Holder , $10 (originally $14) 
• Slozo Travel Jewelry Box , $15 (originally $16) 
• Danmu Beach Towel Clips , $6 (originally $7)
• Zannaki Metal Travel Pill Organizer , $19 (originally $23)
• Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan , $15 (originally $25)
• Coosky Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag , $24 (originally $33)
• Mifaso Power Strip , $10 (originally $13)
• Portable Shoe Bag Set , $12 (originally $14)       

ExploreBliss Travel Pillow

The temperatures are rising, and there’s no better time to refresh your wardrobe since Amazon has a plethora of travel-friendly clothing on sale. One of our favorites is this Ce' Cerdr Workout Shirt that’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and on sale for $20. You should also consider the top-rated Ziitop Water Shoes that have a durable sole and elastic laces while they’re only $20. 

• Ododos Crop Tank 3-pack , $26 (originally $60)
• Haola Short Sleeve Dress , $20 (originally $26)
• Ce' Cerdr Workout Shirt 3-pack , $20 (originally $27)
• Fracora Canvas Sneakers , $23 (originally $50)   
• Tbmpoy UPF 50 Hiking Shirt , $25 (originally $27)
• Jessie Kidden Hiking Shorts , $27 (originally $38)
• Ziitop Water Shoes , $20 (originally $22)
• Rekayla Flat Sandals , $23 (originally $25)    

Mcporo Workout Shirt Set

Best amazon prime member tech deals .

Right now, shoppers can take advantage of travel tech essentials. Pick up the Vrurc Portable Charger while it’s on sale for $16, then snag a set of the Jxrev Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds to stay entertained during your next trip — especially since they’re 60 percent off. Plus, the Aocwei 10-inch Tablet is $30 off, ideal for watching shows and movies while you’re in transit.

• Jxrev Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds , $20 (originally $50) 
• Kyy Portable Monitor , $76 (originally $108)
• Mesqool Store Emergency Radio , $36 (originally $40) 
• Vrurc Portable Charger , $20 (originally $30) 
• Aocwei 10-inch Tablet , $110 (originally $140)
• Feihe 22-inch TV , $153 (originally $250)  
• SKG Smart Watch , $60 (originally $100)  
• Voplls Projector , $80 (originally $130)

Nutale Bluetooth Tracker Set

Best amazon prime member outdoor deals .

With the busiest travel seasons of the year on the horizon, campsites are about to be booked and busy. If your outdoor gear stash needs some serious replenishing, grab the top-rated Hui Lingyang 4-person Pop Up Tent that’s $81 right now, along with the Yuzonc Camping Sleeping Pad that’s only $28. There are deals on safety gear as well; and I recommend getting a pair of the Covacure Trekking Poles to take on tough trails, especially while they’re $27 right now. 

• Kipida Solar Shower Bag , 
• Hui Lingyang 4-person Pop Up Tent , $81 (originally $100) 
• Unp Store 10-person Camping Tent , $145 (originally $179)    
• Liantral Camping Axe , $22 (originally $33)
• Victopher Rechargeable Headlamp , $10 (originally $14)
• Covacure Trekking Poles , $27 (originally $30)
• Laffizz Store Waterproof Lighter , $13 (originally $16)
• Hihged 250-piece Survival Kit , $45 (originally $61)

Yuzonc Camping Sleeping Pad

These Just for Prime deals are only available for a limited time, and we don’t know how much longer they’ll last. Keep scrolling to check out even more exclusive deals ahead of your next trip. 

Unp Store 10-person Camping Tent

Sunzel workout leggings, anker portable charger, suitour hardshell 2-piece luggage set, bagsure travel laptop backpack, ododos crop tank 3-pack.

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15 Best Beach Towels for Summer Travel

By Paris Wilson

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There is no worse feeling at the end of a perfect beach day than having to lug a heavy, sandy, soggy beach towel back to your car. Thankfully, beach towels have come a long way over the years, with features like sand-resistant fabric and roomier dimensions that mean your legs won't be dangling onto the hot sand.

Your towel preference will likely differ depending on whether you’re making your way down to one of the many Florida beaches this summer, heading on a cruise to explore the European beach scene, or just walking over to your local pool, but there are certain parameters a good beach towel needs to meet no matter what: The best beach towels dry quickly, are made from a soft material, and are relatively easy to pack or carry around. Splashy color combinations and vibrant designs don’t have to be passed up; there are plenty of options on the market that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Read on for 15 of the best beach towels you can buy right now, including picks that are oversized, family-friendly, quick-drying, and eco-friendly. And for more beach gear, check out our recommendations for top-notch beach bags , bathing suits and swim trunks , and face sunscreens .

Oversized beach towels

Family-friendly towels, lightweight towels, quick-drying towels, eco-friendly options.

Editor tested

You can never go wrong with a plush cotton towel. These Turkish towels from Serena and Lily come in nine classic striped designs with hand-knotted fringe at the bottom, and feel like the kind you'd find at a luxury resort. The beach towel has 70 inches worth of space and is highly absorbent.

Dimensions:  40" x 70" Material: Turkish aegean cotton

At 78 inches in length, this is the ideal towel to take on group beach trips. These pure cotton terry towels hold a bit of weight to keep in heat and add some cushion between you and the sand. These towels were built to last, with flat weave edges designed to prevent unraveling over time.

Dimensions: 39" x 78" Material: Cotton

Microfiber towels are great for their ability to absorb more water and dry faster than standard cotton towels. Elite Trend’s microfiber beach towel is ideal for beach days that are a bit of a trek away from home—the towels are more likely to dry before you’re ready to pack up and won’t hold on to residual water (or smells) on your walk, bike, or drive back home. It comes in three size options: large, extra large, and family size, each of which is more than 70 inches in length and fits at least two people comfortably when sitting up.

Dimensions:  35" x 78" Material: Microfiber

Mix up your beach towel collection with this gorgeous, intricately designed Pendleton pick. Its dual sides work to make sure your beach day is perfect: There's one absorbent side for drying off and a softer velour side for lounging with a book in hand .

Dimensions:  40" x 70" Material: Cotton

Brooklinen is a Traveler favorite, so we were thrilled when the popular bed sheet and bath towel brand started dabbling in beach towels a few years ago. You’ll find them to be just as soft as the sheets, with bright summer colors that will have you vacation ready in no time. Each plush towel has dual sides: a soft velour cotton side and a quick-dry woven terry side. They are on the bulkier side, making them best suited to local pool days or a drive to the beach house .

Dimensions:  34" x 60" Material: Cotton and terry cloth

Customizable beach towels make a great gift for any beach lover and help big families avoid any “that's my towel” arguments. Woven from Turkish Aerospin cotton, each towel is breathable, absorbent, and generously sized.

Dimensions:  40" x 68" Material: Turkish aerospin cotton

Turkish towels are highly sought after due to their handwoven cotton fibers that create such lightweight, smooth towels. Huckberry's Turkish towels are thin and packable, taking up minimal space in your weekender . The quick-drying fabric makes this one a great choice for a quick beach getaway , whether you're flying or driving there.

Sand Cloud’s pretty Spring Bloom beach towel features a delicate flower design over a neutral color scheme. It’s made from 100 percent Turkish organic cotton with a double jacquard weave for an ultra soft, sand resistant beach towel you can bring anywhere. Plus, it weighs less than a pound, making it extremely easy to carry.

Dimensions:  37" x 67" Material: Turkish organic cotton

The Quick Dry beach towel, while a bit smaller than the other towels on this list, is a must-have from Dock and Bay’s classic Cabana collection if your plan is to pack a towel in a suitcase. The fast drying process and unique loopless fabric work hand in hand to eliminate damp smells and repel sand. You’ll be able to leave the beach in peace instead of begrudgingly lugging around a heavy, soggy towel. Plus, it comes with its own carrying case.

Dimensions:  30" x 60" Material: Recycled polyester and polyamide

Australian brand Tesalate exclusively makes quick-drying towels and blankets geared toward the beach and gym. The Bora Bora towel is no exception: It's made of a highly absorbent fabric called AbsorbLite that uses rapid drying technology to avoid that still-damp feeling. Even better, it's compact and easy to pack in a backpack or tote, and comes with its own drawstring carrying case.

Dimensions:  31" x 62" Material: Cotton

Perfect for lounging in style, the detailed design on the velour front is sure to catch the eye of onlookers. There's no need to forgo comfort for aesthetic—this towel feel just as good as it looks, if not better. It's outfitted with terry cloth that absorbs moisture quickly and effectively. And with a drawcord loop for quick-drying, you'll be able to use it again in no time.

Dimensions:  34" x 62" Material: Cotton

Outdoor brand Wren aims to create sturdy, design-minded gear, and the brand’s beach towels are an instant win. Made from plush, quick-drying microfiber, each towel is designed to be lightweight yet super absorbent, so it'll give you the best possible ratio of drying power to optimal backpack space.

Nomadix towels are made from certified post-consumer recycled materials—each Original towel contains the equivalent of 30 recycled plastic bottles. These towels are also super absorbent; each one can hold four times its weight in water and dries four times faster than a normal cotton towel. They're also sand-resistant, quick-drying, and pet hair-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about the mess that comes with wet clumps of fur from your four-legged friend.

Dimensions:  30" x 73" Material: Recycled polyester

Hilana uses sustainably made Turkish materials to create throws, shawls, table cloths, and bathrobes. Each piece is handwoven by a collective of weavers from surrounding mountain villages in Denizli, Turkey. These striped towels are made of 50 percent recycled cotton and 50 percent natural cotton, and are incredibly lightweight, absorbent, and quick-drying. This is the kind of towel you can throw in your tote bag just in case you make it over to the sand.

Dimensions:  30" x 70" Material: Cotton

Each one of Rock Flower Paper’s beach towels are made of post-consumer plastics, helping to repurpose about 10 plastic bottles. This style is lightweight and durable, with a thin material that makes it super easy to pack. Plus, the fabric is sand repellent, so particles come off with a simple shake.

Dimensions:  30" x 70" Material: Recycled polyester and nylon