summer travel season

What to know for booking summer travel: Expert tips on airfare, destinations and more

Where to score flight deals during the prime summer travel season.

As the surge of summer travel draws near, the race to book a great vacation is on.

"If you're looking to travel domestically within the U.S., I think you should be booking now for summer travel," Clint Henderson, travel expert and managing editor of The Points Guy, told "GMA."

Earlier this month while reporting quarterly earnings, Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian projected "record advance bookings for the summer," telling CNBC that the carrier's credit card data and bookings show customers are highly interested in air travel.

An increase in budget airline routes that has created more competition, paired with an easing of the post-pandemic revenge travel surge, means travelers could see more deals.

"Overall prices are down from where they were when we just had that boom out of the pandemic," Henderson said. "So things are more reasonable."

Hopper, the flight booking app, has shown predicted fares for flights to Europe will be down 10% in price from the same time last year.

Google recently announced its top 20 trending summer destinations , which saw a few newcomers on the list and Paris rose to the No. 2 spot.

With the Olympics taking place there from July 26 through Aug. 11, an uptick in airfare and hotel pricing is expected during the Games.

But those willing to wait out the Olympics could find big savings for flights to the host nation.

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The Points Guy has featured deals from Atlanta, Dallas and Charlotte to Paris for as low as $515 from August through the fall.

Amsterdam, Prague, Spain and Iceland are among the most reasonably priced European destinations, as seen on Hopper.

Tips for booking summer travel

Don't forget to stay flexible with travel dates and keep midweek in mind for possibly lower fares.

There's also a time during the post-summer rush known as "shoulder season," between September and October, when fares could drop by as much as 30%.

When it comes to airfare purchase timing, the experts at The Points Guy have found prices dip eight to four weeks before the outbound flight, but after the one-month mark, prices will creep back up.

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What to Expect from the 2022 Summer Travel Season

Travelers have been dealing with the trials and tribulations of canceled trips and elusive refunds for nearly two years. It will get better this year.

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When Katie Knox, of East Lansing, Mich., booked a flight to Paris to visit her boyfriend over the holidays, she locked in a low fare on budget airline Frenchbee. But then her boyfriend tested positive for COVID-19 only days ahead of her planned departure, delaying her trip by 10 days. She changed her flight, but her sad saga was just beginning. Her Delta Airlines flight from Detroit to Newark, N.J., where she was connecting with her flight to Paris, was canceled, thanks to COVID-related staff shortages.

Knox had to wait a day to get another flight to Newark. She spent the night in a Detroit airport hotel and decided to book a new flight with Swiss Air from New York to Copenhagen, where her boyfriend was traveling to be with his family. She received a credit for her Frenchbee flight and booked a return flight home on Iceland Air. But that flight was canceled because of severe weather in Reykjavik. She opted for a refund instead of a new flight—but because she had booked the flight on travel aggregator Gotogate, she had to spend 10 hours on the phone, on hold and on multiple calls, trying to lock in the money. In the end she was promised the refund—which she was told could be delayed up to a year.

Welcome to travel in 2022. After two years of navigating the complexities of canceled, interrupted or delayed plans, thanks to the pandemic and its many ripples and waves, as well as severe weather, travelers endured another episode of canceled flights over the holidays. Now, many people have their sights set on traveling freely again this summer. But with COVID-related uncertainty, locking in travel itineraries may feel like wishful thinking.

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Even so, travel experts are anticipating a rebound for tourism this summer, particularly in places where borders are just beginning to reopen. Many public health experts are predicting a relatively quick end to the omicron surge. And even if the virus sees a new surge from a new variant, the key to successful travel this summer will be good planning. That will include being vaccinated and getting a booster, plus packing a full-featured travel insurance policy.

Travel regulations this year are likely to shift from full-on border closures to vaccine requirements, says Melanie Lieberman, senior travel editor for The Points Guy, a travel rewards website. “We’re already seeing some destinations announce vaccination expiration dates or booster requirements,” she says.

Travel restrictions to Europe and Asia should begin to lift. And the market for flights to Europe should get competitive, says Scott Keyes, CEO and founder of travel website Scott’s Cheap Flights. As travel restrictions relax, Europe is where airlines will begin to start adding routes quickly, says Keyes, and travelers should keep an eye out for deals.

What to Expect Traveling in a Post-COVID World

Although there may be more opportunities for international travel this summer, most vacationers will likely focus on domestic trips. “We know travelers are eager to return to their favorite destinations abroad, particularly in Europe, but until regulations and requirements for entry stabilize, many travelers will choose to stay closer to home,” says Lieberman. National parks, beaches and other outdoor-oriented destinations will be popular. But don’t expect great deals for domestic travel.

Placing bets on where to go is a balancing act of pricing and availability. Although domestic travel is the safest bet, some short-haul international destinations, such as the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America, that have been granting access with certain entry requirements should also be reliable destinations in 2022.

Fortunately for fliers, major U.S. airlines made permanent changes during the pandemic, allowing flexible bookings for most tickets. That means you won’t have to pay a fee if you need to change your flight—as long as you don’t buy the cheapest fares. And airlines are not expected to go back on their word and change this policy anytime soon, says Keyes.

Chances are, if you’ve been traveling during the pandemic, you already have experience with this—you may even have accumulated a few flight credits from canceled trips. Be sure to read the fine print on these credits or vouchers, because not all airlines offer the same flexibility for your new booking. Pay attention to whether you are required to make your booking during a certain time frame or whether the new flight must take place during a certain time period.

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For new bookings, if you want a flexible fare, avoid basic economy tickets. The cost difference between a basic economy and main cabin ticket may be low (recently as low as $20 or $30 for a $200 domestic flight), and it could be well worth paying for the upgrade if you compare that with the cost of changing your flight, which is typically $200. There are workarounds with certain airlines that offer even more flexibility. For example, if you book with United Airlines, you can later upgrade your basic economy ticket to a ticket with flight flexibility. And Southwest Airlines always offers flexibility on all tickets, no matter the price.

Requesting a flight change or credit is fairly straightforward when you book your travel directly with the airline. Once you place your request, you’ll generally be issued a credit for the full cost of the flight. Most airlines let you apply those funds to any new flight, and some, such as American and United, will even allow you to transfer your flight credit to someone else. You’ll always be on the hook for a fare difference for a new flight—unless the airline has made a special exception.

Travelers can expect continued COVID safety protocols, such as enforced mask-wearing, hand-sanitizing stations, and more contactless processes, such as scanning your own boarding pass. Don’t expect talk about vaccine requirements for domestic flights to gain any traction.

After the cruise industry shut down in 2020, the long-awaited return to cruising in 2021 proved promising, offering a host of COVID safety protocols on many new trips. Cruise lines have been requiring vaccinations for staff and most passengers, and cruises often require negative tests as well.

But the return to cruising has had hiccups reminiscent of the crises on cruise ships at the outset of the pandemic. Many travelers who sought out cruising as a fun, safe bubble of vaccinated people over the holidays were met with disappointment when the rise of the omicron variant quickly spread. And unfortunately, because cruise lines were only required to report positive case counts to passengers after the infections reached a certain threshold, passengers were often left in the dark about just how dire the situation was. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an open-ended warning to all Americans to avoid travel on cruise trips in December, regardless of their vaccination status. It was the agency’s highest coronavirus warning.

Still, cruise industry experts are optimistic about prospects for this summer. “We’re seeing signs that the travel outlook for 2022, particularly in the summer, is strong,” says Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of Cruise Critic, a travel website. “There’s been pent up demand for a while, bookings for 2022 are strong, and we’re hearing sentiment from cruisers that they’re anxious to get out there,” she says.

Credit Cards Offer Travel Insurance

Many cruisers are looking to stay closer to home. Summer is a great time to visit Alaska, and although last year’s Alaska cruise season was cut in half, this year should have a full Alaska season, McDaniel says. Masking regulations vary by cruise line. For example, Carnival Cruise Line updated its mask requirement as omicron began to spread, requesting that all passengers age 2 and older wear a mask on board, except when eating or drinking.

Although historically cruises have rarely offered refundable fares, many cruise lines continue to be flexible about cancellations. But discounted cruise fares have been few and far between. Prices now generally match what they were in 2019. The best time to book cruises is generally from January through March and sometimes a bit into April, during what the cruise industry calls wave season. During these months, you might find a discounted booking, or packages with perks that offer deals on board, such as free drinks or Wi-Fi.

Travel aggregators

Before you book with a third-party travel provider, be sure you fully understand their policies. If you’ve been struggling to get a refund for travel you booked with a third-party provider, you may have to be patient—as Katie Knox discovered with her marathon phone calls. “Anytime a third-party provider gets involved, there’s an opportunity for the travel provider and the third party to defer to the other, which can mean a headache in terms of canceling, rebooking and getting a refund,” says Lieberman.

Kiplinger reader Kevin Shea recently wrote to us about a frustrating experience he had with Expedia. He booked a European vacation for his family of four through Expedia on American Airlines. Expedia issued credits for the flights, but this past December, when he tried to book tickets using the credits for new flights this summer, he encountered error messages online. An Expedia customer service rep told him to contact American Airlines.

American Airlines helped him book the new fares. However, because the fares were originally booked through Expedia, the airline charged a $50 rebooking fee for each of the four tickets.

Credit Card Perks for Car Rentals

You will have an easier time getting credits or refunds if you book directly with the airline rather than through a third party. And if you book a flexible fare directly with an airline using points, the points should be automatically returned to your account if you cancel, Lieberman says.

Regardless of where you buy your ticket, U.S. airlines are legally required to provide a refund if your flight was canceled or subject to a significant schedule change or delay, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. That usually means a schedule shift of two hours or more, although the DOT does not explicitly define what constitutes a significant delay or change. And airlines are not required to issue a refund for a significantly delayed flight that you choose to take; if a flight is significantly delayed, you may want to cancel your reservation, rebook another flight and collect a refund.

Rental cars are still in short supply

If you’re renting a car in 2022, brace yourself for higher prices and longer waits at the rental counter. The industry has been rocked by shortages and price spikes since summer 2020. After the initial COVID-19 shutdowns and travel disruptions, more people rented vehicles for driving vacations or as alternatives to public transportation, but supply-chain kinks caused shortfalls in carmakers’ inventories and left rental companies with fewer vehicles. Travelers who rented a vehicle at an airport location faced a nearly 60% increase in rental-car prices between August 2020 and August 2021, according to a report from J.D. Power.

To get the best price, book as early as you can and shop several rental companies. Closer to your trip, try using AutoSlash.com , an online car-rental service that may find last-minute deals.

A number of car-rental alternatives have popped up during the pandemic. Turo , the car-sharing service now available in every U.S. state, has seen business boom. However, note that you probably can’t rely on your personal auto insurance if you’re driving a Turo car because most policies only cover you if you’re renting from an accredited car-rental company. Turo offers insurance plans that will add from 15% to 60% to the cost of your rental, depending on the level of protection.

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Emma Patch joined Kiplinger in 2020. She previously interned for Kiplinger's Retirement Report and before that, for a boutique investment firm in New York City. She served as editor-at-large and features editor for Middlebury College's student newspaper, The Campus . She specializes in travel, student debt and a number of other personal finance topics. Born in London, Emma grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Washington, D.C.

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Summer Travel Season is Just Weeks Away – Here's What to Know

According to tripadvisor, 82% of americans plan to travel domestically this year, by ale zimmermann and leslie gaydos • published april 24, 2023 • updated on april 24, 2023 at 6:26 pm.

It’s the countdown to summer vacation 2023 and air travel will be soaring to new heights not seen since before the pandemic. 

“This is the first time that we're really seeing numbers exceed in a sequential amount of months through TSA,” said Katy Nastro, a travel expert with Going.com. “So, that means that we've really normalized, and people are looking to get back to their regularly scheduled summer trips.”

According to TripAdvisor, 82% of Americans plan to travel domestically this year. Cities like Orlando, New York and Las Vegas continue to dominate as summer hot spots.

“We're seeing in places like Nashville, Miami, that usually are a little bit more seasonal -- we're actually seeing them be destinations that people are taking advantage of all year-round,” said Nastro, “They [people] may be looking at taking a city escape where versus going abroad this summer, due to the fact that things feel more expensive, as well as passport wait times are up.” 

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Those passport delays are no joke. Last winter, the State Department received more than half a million applications -- a record for that time of year, which exceeded official projections.

As of late March, travelers waited 10 to 13 weeks for a passport.  

And travel outside of the U.S. is spiking. Wendy Marley is a travel counselor with AAA.

“International travel is up 200% from last year. People are definitely looking to get out there and have new experiences. They want to go see the world. You know, just kind of have more authentic connections with the rest of the world,” said Marley.

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London is the most popular international destination this year -- a 350% increase over the last year according to AAA data.

Mexico remains a popular vacation spot. However, the U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for 30 of Mexico’s 32 states. At least six are listed under "Do Not Travel."

Travelers are also booking flights to Asia and the Caribbean.

“Cities are becoming more popular. Rural, still very popular. People are looking for trips where they can unpack just once,” said Marley. “River cruising, as well as ocean cruising has also increased over last year. They are just they're looking to get out there any way that they can, whether it's with a guided trip, letting the experts lead the way, but mostly just wanting to explore.” 

According to a TripAdvisor survey, nearly half of respondents are planning to travel more this season than they did last year, with two-thirds planning to take at least two trips this year. TripAdvisor is also seeing a big increase in family travel and found more than half of Americans plan to spend more on their biggest trip compared to last year. 

“I think everybody is just excited to get out and explore what's in their backyard,” said Marley. “If they don't feel comfortable going abroad or just want to stay closer to home.”

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Here's What Summer Travel Might Actually Look Like, According to Experts

Here's what to expect from summer travel in 2021.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Summer travel usually means family vacations , sun-drenched beach getaways , meandering road trips , and extended jaunts to far-flung destinations like Europe and Asia. However, with a global pandemic still unfolding, those experiences might look a little different this year. Coronavirus outbreaks continue to flare up around the world, and international travel restrictions remain in place for some destinations, while other countries reopen their borders to leisure travelers.

You might be asking yourself, "Will I be able to travel this summer?" And the answer is: It depends on a number of factors, including your comfort level, COVID-19 testing, vaccination status, and where you want to go. To get a better idea of what may be in store for those who do wish to travel this summer, we turned to a handful of experts for their predictions . Here's what they had to say.

Destinations Opening Soon(ish)

Many countries and U.S. states have already relaxed their travel restrictions, while others are extending their lockdowns by weeks. Americans can now travel to an increasing number of international destinations, with more countries opening up in the near future. Even though the situation is still constantly shifting, there is more certainty now than there was a year ago, when travel experts noted pent-up demand but reluctance to book.

Last year's predictions about the popularity of domestic travel and last-minute bookings still seem to ring true now. Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel , previously said, "Based on these initial bookings, we expect to see more consumers opting for shorter domestic trips over longer international travels that have historically been popular during the summer months."

According to Brett Snyder, founder of Cranky Flier and Cranky Concierge, "People likely won't set their plans until closer to travel, so they can get a better picture of what the health situation will be." We just might not get a clear picture of bookings until weeks, or even days, before folks decide to venture out.

Vaccine Passports and COVID-19 Testing

Travel guidelines and procedures vary from country to country, so travelers will have to do a little extra research before planning an international getaway. And depending on their destination of choice, they might also need to get a specific type of COVID-19 test within a certain time period before and during their trip. Fully vaccinated travelers can avoid quarantines or testing requirements in some destinations, and vaccine passports have begun rolling out across the globe. Many cruise lines are requiring passengers to be fully vaccinated before boarding, too.

And even though the CDC recently announced that fully vaccinated Americans no longer have to wear masks in some circumstances, they're still required on airplanes and in airports. As the situation continues to evolve, mask requirements may vary from place to place, so check local regulations before traveling.

Cleanliness As a Commodity

In order for anyone to consider traveling again, they have to feel comfortable first. "The travel industry has to convince people that it is truly safe to travel," said Dr. Greg Poland, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic and director of its vaccine research group. "People will be very cautious in general for some time to come." To that end, the U.S. Travel Association published hygiene guidelines formulated by medical professionals to help companies meet the public's health needs as they consider "travel in the new normal."

Regardless of the type of trips travelers end up booking, sanitation will be top of mind. "Cleanliness, hygiene, and health will be the 'holy trinity' for summer travel decision-making," said aviation industry expert Henry Harteveldt of Atmosphere Research Group .

Travel companies, including hotels and airlines, will do everything possible to implement and publicize new sanitation efforts, according to Konrad Waliszewski, cofounder and CEO of the travel app TripScout . "Hygiene will be the new buzzword pitched by destinations and travel companies," he said. "How socially distanced you can be from other people, how often everything is cleaned, and what protective measures are in place for the staff will dominate the communication for anyone trying to lure travelers this year."

Many travel brands have put these policies into practice. For example, many U.S. airlines require passengers to wear face coverings, and they have implemented new cleaning procedures, but these measures don't totally eliminate the risk. Scott Keyes, founder of Scott's Cheap Flights , noted, "Airlines are doing what they can, but ultimately, there is no way to properly social distance when flying, so it's a trade-off that each person will have to evaluate."

When it comes to lodging, Waliszewski said that short-term rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo could outperform hotels in the near term as travelers attempt to avoid interactions with strangers. However, hotels tout new cleaning practices to their advantage. "The bigger hotel brands that are able to advertise their new hygienic and socially distancing measures will outperform all other hotels," he said. Waliszewski also expects hotels to promote mobile check-in, discourage groups in public areas, and even advertise low occupancy rates as a guarantee that guests will have more space to move about.

But companies and destinations will also have to strike a balance between safety and letting travelers have fun, according to Misty Belles, the managing director of global public relations for the Virtuoso travel advisor network. "Destinations will need to assure visitors that they are managing crowd control because the notion of social distancing is a mindset that's going to stay with us long after travel restrictions are lifted," she said. "Destinations will [also] have to show that visitors can still enjoy their visit, [and] that enough restaurants and attractions will be open that it's worth their while."

Road Trip Resurgence

Experts predict that people will still largely look to visit domestic and drivable destinations because of health and economic concerns. "We'll see more three- and four-day trips because of finances, work pressures, safety concerns, and changing school schedules," hypothesized Dr. Poland.

Trips abroad still might not be on the horizon for many Americans. According to Dr. Poland, some travelers may be wary of getting stuck overseas and not having access to the same quality of medical care, depending on the destination.

Harteveldt pointed to finances as the primary motivator, or obstacle, for many people's summer trips. "Having either lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced, many Americans…may not be able to afford a vacation," he said. For those still willing and able to take a trip, Harteveldt said, "I think more will take road trips than fly."

Companies like AmericanTours International , which specializes in U.S. and Canadian tour packages, have retooled their offerings toward briefer, customizable, road-based trips. "We are developing shorter duration packages as these have always been booked more extensively by our domestic clients," said ATI's chief operating officer, Nick Hentschel. "We are also focusing on promoting the flexibility of our platform, allowing agents to make changes and customize their trips." That flexibility is likely going to be an essential component for many travelers still worried about COVID-related travel disruptions and flight cancellations.

Wellness and Wide-open Spaces

Given how long folks have been cooped up at home , experts also suspect many travelers will gravitate toward the great outdoors . "Travelers will lean toward [driving] holidays and discovering wide-open spaces," said Hentschel. "RV and camper trips will continue to be particularly popular." Clayton Reid, the CEO of travel marketing firm MMGY Global, added, "We also expect national and state parks to experience one of the largest visitation growth periods in history, as people are clamoring to return to leisure experiences."

Meanwhile, Belles said she expects " spas, wellness retreats , and places that can help restore mental and physical well-being to also be a summer favorite." They'll provide a much-needed respite after the stress of quarantine.

Flexible Flights (For Now)

Many airlines eliminated change fees during the pandemic to provide travelers with extra flexibility, but those charges may be coming back in the near future. Travelers flying basic economy — typically the lowest class with the least expensive tickets — might have to start paying change fees if they need to switch their flights. However, some airlines have eliminated change fees for standard main cabin and upper class seats, providing more flexibility for future trips.

From Personal to Purposeful

Beyond price and safety, however, people will want to travel for personal reasons, said Chip Conley, founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality and the Modern Elder Academy and advisor to Airbnb .

"Family- and friend-oriented travel will predominate, as it's hard to Zoom a wedding , experience a family reunion using virtual reality, or Skype a 75th birthday party," he said. " Transformational travel will also see a resurgence as people will be...looking for answers as they've had a lot of time to reflect on their lives."

Conley added, "I would bet on Hawaii or Florida before Las Vegas. People will want paradise and nature before [choosing to be] indoors with lots of people."

Summer and Beyond

After over a year of restrictions and quarantines, many Americans are excited to get back out and plan future travel in the United States and abroad. For now, the most important thing will be to keep yourself and those around you healthy, and to plan to travel when you are comfortable doing so based on your own personal concerns.

Travelling Without a Passport

Your Ultimate Off-Season Travel Calendar

Everybody loves a summer holiday, but more often than not, traveling during the peak tourist season can be a bit of a drag. Here’s our guide to your off-season gems to discover.

Summer may be the best time to travel when it comes to the weather, especially in Europe. However… the flights you want to book are overpriced, the places you want to stay at are more expensive, and the attractions you want to visit are flooded with tourists. In the off-season, you don’t have to worry about dealing with any of those downsides. Sure, you won’t get the best weather, but booking your trip in the low season comes with a bevy of benefits: cheaper airfare, wallet-friendly hotel rates, and fewer crowds.

If you’re ready to jump on the off-peak travel bandwagon, the only question left to answer is: where should I go in the off-season? That’s where this guide comes in! We’ve curated a list of some of the most popular travel destinations and their corresponding low-season periods so you can start planning your off-peak adventure for 2023 and beyond!

North America

South america.

See Also: Iceland Off-Season: Your Complete Guide

For the most part, Europe’s off-season runs between November and March .

Of course, temperatures and weather conditions will vary by region; if you visit in, say, December, you may have to contend with freezing temperatures and snow flurries in Northern Europe, while Mediterranean countries like Greece offer a fair amount of sunshine and relatively mild temperatures. 

No matter what destinations you choose to visit (aside from ski resorts), you’re guaranteed to find fewer crowds and bargain-worthy prices when traveling to Europe during the winter months.

Here are a few great cities, countries, and regions to choose from for off-season travel — those places where you’ll get the most bang for your buck and have a fantastic overall experience:

• All of the continent’s most popular and iconic cities (e.g., Venice, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, or Amsterdam)
• Finnish Lapland

See Also: What to do in Greece in December (Updated 2022)

Southeast Asia – June to October

As you can imagine, Southeast Asia plays host to several climates to match its incredibly diverse landscapes. Many travelers avoid the off-season in this region completely, but — with a little extra planning and preparation — it can actually be a fantastic time to travel here.

Just remember: the off-season months typically coincide with the rainy season. Monsoon rains usually occur between June and October in most parts of Southeast Asia, but weather patterns can vary drastically depending on the destination. 

During this time, your trip can be disrupted by torrential downpours, or you might get lucky with sunshine and short-lived periods of rain — it’s a chance you take traveling during the low season!

Here are the off-season months for some of Southeast Asia’s top hotspots:

• Bali – April to June
• Bangkok and Northern Thailand – May to October
• Thai Islands (Gulf of Thailand) – Gulf of Thailand October to December and the Andaman Sea June to October
• Vietnam – May to September
• Cambodia – July to September

Japan / China / Taiwan – November to March

The best time to escape the crowds in China , Japan , and Taiwan is during the winter months, as long as you’re not traveling to wintry destinations or ski towns like Harbin and Hokkaido. As these destinations are pretty far north, it can get quite cold, however, so for trips to Tokyo, Seoul, or Beijing, your best bet is to dress for the occasion and check the weather reports thoroughly.

India & Sri Lanka – May to August/September

India and Sri Lanka experience varied weather conditions, with certain regions (such as Goa, for example) being dominated by rainfall at any given time of the year. 

With the exception of tropical states like Florida and Hawaii, the low season in Canada and the USA falls between the winter months of November and March/April. 

Los Angeles, Vancouver, and other West Coast destinations offer milder temperatures throughout this season, while cities in the northeast (New York, Toronto, Boston) transform into real-life winter wonderlands.

Prices skyrocket during winter holidays and school holiday periods, so it’s best to avoid Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Spring Break if you don’t want to deal with inflated hotel rates and crowded attractions.

In Mexico and the Caribbean , the off-season period begins shortly after Easter and lasts until the middle of December, just before the holiday season is in full swing.

• United States – November to March
• Hawaii – April to early June and September to mid-December
• Canada – November to April
• Mexico – May to mid-December
• The Caribbean – May to mid-December

See Also: Low Season USA Travel: 11 Adventures in Your Backyard

Given its gargantuan size, it should come as no surprise that there’s a whole host of varying climates and microclimates occurring on this vast continent throughout the year.

Generally speaking, South America can be divided into two regions, the first being Chile , Argentina , Uruguay , and southern Brazil, where the low season falls during the chilly winter months. Please be aware that here, it’s winter from May to August! The other region is Colombia , Peru , Ecuador , and Bolivia , where the weather patterns are dictated by wet and dry seasons rather than significant temperature changes. In Brazil, for example, there may be temperatures as low as ° C 15.8 / ° F 60.4 in Foz do Iguaçu, in the south in July, while Salvador, Bahia up north will still have approx. ° C 23.7 / ° F 74.7 degrees.

If you don’t mind packing a few extra layers and waterproof gear, you’ll love traveling outside of peak season here.

• Colombia / Peru / Ecuador / Bolivia – December to March
• Mach u Picchu – October to February (The Inca Trail closes every February for essential maintenance.)
• The Galapagos Islands – May to June and September and October
• Brazil – May to September
• Chile and Argentina (excluding Patagonia) – June to August

In many African destinations (especially safari hotspots), low-season travel comes with loads of perks: the Kalahari Desert offers fantastic game viewing during the off-season; the low season in Kenya means better deals and cheaper international airfare; and Tanzania’s birthing period falls during the off-peak months, so you’re more likely to see lion cubs and other baby animals.

Plus, you’ll get great value for money, you won’t have to compete for space at wildlife sightings, and the rainy season brings lush landscapes — which makes for excellent photo opportunities. 

It may be wetter during the low season, but if you can bear a bit of rain, there are a number of fantastic benefits that come with off-peak travel on this continent.

North Africa

• Morocco – November to February
• Egypt – June to August

Central/East Africa

• Kenya & Tanzania – March to June and October to December
• Ugand a – April and May
• Rwanda – April, May, and November

Southern Africa

• South Africa – April to September
• Namibia & Botswana – December to April 
• Moz ambique – March to June

Australia – June to August

Most people want to experience summer Down Under, but visiting during Australia’s winter (June to August) will save you cash on everything from your airfare to tours and bucket list activities.

And, since the weather is still pleasant and warm in many places around the country, choosing to travel during the off-season comes with some serious advantages.

New Zealand – June to August

The off-peak winter season is similar in New Zealand : you’ll find far fewer crowds at all the popular tourist spots (besides the ski resorts dotted around the country, of course).

Prices go down; hotel rates drop, and, in some destinations, you might feel as though you have the whole place to yourself.

Things to consider when booking an off-season holiday

Not every destination is suited to off-season travel; you definitely don’t want to be trekking in the Himalayas in a foot of snow or sweltering in Northern Australia in 45-degree heat. 

You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons and do some additional research before you travel to any particular destination during the low season. Weather, seasonal closures, and safety are three of the main things to keep in mind while you’re planning your trip.

Ashley Nitransky

Ashley is a Content Editor at TourRadar. When she’s not writing, travelling, or obsessively checking flight prices on Skyscanner, you can find her attempting to fine-tune her photography skills or watching a shark documentary.

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Our Guide to Last-Minute Summer 2021 Travel

As americans get vaccinated and start traveling again, some destinations, types of trips, and rentals are booking up this summer. here are some tips on how to outsmart the crowds and travel options that are still in play..

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Summer 2021 may be the right time to rediscover cities that we love, like Chicago, that we abandoned in 2020.

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After more than a year of being cooped up, Americans are ready to get back out into the world and travel again. So ready, in fact, that travel bookings are skyrocketing for some places and experiences to the degree it’s actually getting hard to book them at all. (If you haven’t heard of the great rental car shortage of 2021, you’re living under a rock, and trying for a weekend vacation rental in some popular coastal towns is downright laughable at this point.)

This has several implications for travelers who have yet to book some or all of their summer getaways as we head into Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the summer travel season—availability could be hard to come by and prices may be higher than you expected. But fear not, dear procrastinators, we’re here to fill you in on which destinations could give you some booking trouble, alternative options you may want to look into instead, and ways to still get good deals on summer 2021 travel.

Of course, we’re still in a pandemic and many international destinations remain off-limits to travelers this summer, either because of government travel restrictions, because they are experiencing COVID-19 case surges and/or vaccine rollout issues, or because travelers just aren’t ready to take trips further afield yet and are still opting to stay closer to home.

That is probably why many of the destinations we’re seeing that are reaching capacity are domestic vacation getaways, places like Hawai‘i, Montana, and Florida that don’t present the same pandemic challenges as international locales.

The other problem is that capacity was also drastically reduced when demand bottomed out last year—airline routes were cut, hotels and vacation rentals were taken offline, and rental cars were sold off as travel companies strived to say afloat. Bringing all that inventory back online isn’t going to happen overnight.

So travelers are going to have to maybe get a little creative this summer. It’s been a long 14 months—we all need and deserve to get away. For those who are ready to travel safely, don’t be deterred by the booking surge.

Potential trouble spots for summer 2021 travel—and how to outsmart the crowds

These are the destinations and travel services that are starting to reach max capacity. But just because destinations are listed here, travelers shouldn’t give up on these places or products if they have their heart set on them. Being flexible with when you travel (midweek is always better than weekends), and looking into dates further out, including into late summer and early fall, means you don’t necessarily have to give up on your 2021 travel dreams. And if you do run into dead ends, we’ll offer some alternative options as well.

If Oʻahu, Maui or the Big Island are causing booking problems, maybe look to the quieter island of Kaua‘i.

“One big place causing problems is Hawai‘i,” said John Galante, an Aspen, Colorado–based luxury travel advisor for travel concierge service Travel Edge , and a member of AFAR’s Travel Advisory Council (TAC). “It is so popular now that not only rental cars are sold out, but the concierges at the hotels can’t even get back to me with confirmations on dinners, activities, and airport transfers.”

The areas Galante said he is running into issues with bookings are Honolulu on the popular island of Oʻahu, and Kona and Kapalua on Maui. Galante said he’s working overtime to help find alternative options and solutions for clients.

Scott Keyes, founder of flight deals newsletter Scott’s Cheap Flights , said searches for flights to the island of Hawai‘i (aka the Big Island) are soaring, too, indicating that island’s popularity this summer as well.

“This past week, 50 percent more people searched for flights to the Big Island than the same time in 2019. They’re going to be quite full over the summer,” said Keyes.

Related Best Hawai‘ian Islands for Different Kinds of Travelers But travelers should remember that Hawai‘i is vast and varied. Maybe try for some of the state’s quieter gems like Kaua‘i, Lāna‘i, and Molokaʻi if the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui or Oʻahu are giving you grief.

As for some Hawaii alternatives, “Hawaii is certainly unique, but travelers could enjoy West Coast natural beauty and ocean beaches in Baja California or San Diego ,” suggested James Ferrara, co-founder and president of InteleTravel .

Of the five most booked domestic flight destinations for summer 2021, two are in Florida—Miami and Orlando, according to data compiled for AFAR by travel booking site Hopper. (The other three are Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Denver.)

“I have never seen [Miami] booked up so tight,” said Lysa Middleton Phillips, a Houston, Texas-based travel advisor with InteleTravel. “A good alternative to Miami is Destin or Panama City Beach in Florida.”

Hotel availability in Fort Lauderdale is also an issue for this summer, according to Hopper. But not all of Florida is out of the question.

Hopper found that there is still ample hotel availability in Jacksonville, Tampa, Naples, Palm Coast, and Daytona Beach, Florida. St. Petersburg–Clearwater may also have more options and offers beautiful beaches and a hopping art scene.

Montana, Wyoming, and Utah

Dude ranches are having a moment. National parks are having a moment. Wide open spaces are having a moment. Put them all together and suddenly everyone is heading to Montana, Wyoming, and Utah this summer.

According to Galante, “All the high-end places around me in the West, like all the ranches in Montana, Utah, and Wyoming . . . are all booked. And if something is available, it’s priced high.”

If you were hoping to hit Glacier National Park in Montana or Zion in Utah, make sure you’re up to date on the reservation systems in place in both parks (there is still time to make reservations—but don’t delay too much).

Related It’s Not Too Late to Get Reservations at These Popular National Parks If it’s a classic dude ranch experience you were seeking and you are coming up empty handed in Montana or Wyoming, maybe look to dude ranches in California like the historic Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in Central California’s Santa Ynez Valley, Greenhorn Ranch in Northern California’s Quincy, and the 158-year-old Rankin Ranch in Caliente, not far from Bakersfield. (Though we’ve heard many of these are falling short on space, too, there is greater availability toward the back half of summer and into fall.)

Cruises to Alaska may be back in play this summer, which could open up options for travelers.

For summer 2021, Alaska “is getting booked up fast,” said Kate Doty, AFAR TAC member and managing director for San Francisco–based adventure travel experts Geographic Expeditions . “One of our favorite lodges, Ultima Thule , is already 100 percent sold out for the season.”

Doty recommends that travelers with their heart set on Alaska have a wide range of date options to work with, “and when you find out what is available, book it fast, like within a day or two, or risk losing it.” She also advises considering visiting in September when the fall colors are popping, bears are still out, and things are calmer after the busy summer season—plus, “there will be more availability.”

Another big opportunity for last-minute travelers eyeing Alaska is that Alaska cruising appears to be back on the table for 2021 , thanks to the recent passage of the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act by Congress. If the bill is signed by President Biden, large cruise ships will likely be able to resume sailings in Alaska this summer, which would open up some amazing water-based viewing and visiting opportunities for travelers.

Rental cars

OK, we’re not going to sugarcoat the issue. Rental cars are a problem this year. Why? According to Keyes, when travel plummeted last year, many car rental agencies sold off hundreds of thousands of cars to make some money and weather the storm.

Now, with travel rebounding, there are far fewer cars available to rent, said Keyes. It’s gotten so bad that people are renting U-haul trucks and vans in Hawaii and elsewhere just to get around.

But there are some workarounds. Keyes offered up these suggestions, some of which we have also seen floating around in popular travel forums like family travel platform Club Bébé Voyage .

“From my experience, there is a place that’s almost always cheapest for car rentals: Costco Travel . You automatically have access if you’re a Costco member, and it also includes extra perks like a free second driver,” said Keyes.

He also suggested looking into car share services like Turo , Zipcar , Getaround , or Hui Car Share in Honolulu, as well as trying to rent through a car dealership.

There’s also always the option to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft if the destination doesn’t require too much driving.

Cari Gray, founder of luxury travel concierge service Gray & Co. , and another AFAR TAC member, said that the high cost of flights this summer combined with the shortage of rental cars “will mean the self-drive market will still continue strong” for summer 2021.

Road trip , anyone?

Related The 14 Best Road Trips in the U.S.

Alternative destinations: Where to travel in summer 2021

When you see everyone running in one direction, head the other way, right? OK, not usually. But when it comes to summer 2021 travel, this approach could work in your favor. Here are some suggestions for where to go for better availability and, added bonus, better prices.

Urban escapes

Last year, we all fled the big cities, seeking space and the outdoors where we could remain safe and socially distant from crowds amid the ongoing pandemic. And yes, the pandemic is still here, but with places like New York and California announcing they will fully reopen this summer, and with the CDC reporting that 38 percent of the American population is now fully vaccinated (73 percent of those age 65 and older, and 48 percent of those age 18 and older), a rebirth of the cities we abandoned in 2020 is inevitable.

“There’s an odd dynamic right now,” said Keyes. “If you want to get the good deal, head to the cities. The same number of crowds that had been there before are not there right now. I was in New York and [Washington,] D.C., this past week, and the hotel rooms that are usually $200 or $250 night, I got for about $100 or $125 a night. Travel to a lot of these urban destinations is much more reasonable than what you would expect.”

Summer 2021 may be the right time to rediscover New York , Boston , Philadelphia , Chicago , Los Angeles , San Francisco , and all the other great cities across the country that we love and that were pummeled by the pandemic. Places where the fine dining scene, while likely somewhat battered, will be ready to surprise and delight anew and where museums, cultural institutions, and live entertainment venues will all be buzzing with the excitement and optimism of finally being open for business again.

Central America and East Africa

If you have your heart set on beautiful, nature-filled escapes, Geographic Expeditions’ Doty suggests some international alternatives.

She recommends considering destinations such as Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Panama in Central America where Americans are permitted to travel during the pandemic and where there is still availability for travelers.

She notes that Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda are all open to travelers as well, and Geographic Expeditions is actively assembling well-curated itineraries to these wildlife-rich locales for clients.

Before traveling internationally, be sure to check the U.S. State Department’s detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories , and be aware that all international passengers age two and older flying into the U.S. (including returning U.S. citizens and permanent residents) must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test procured within three days before boarding their flight to the U.S.

Related CDC Approves At-Home COVID Tests for International Travel The CDC also has detailed recommendations for travel during the pandemic, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Europe? As an alternative destination? What reality are we living in? A pandemic one, that’s what. Here’s the thing about Europe. Yes, it’s about to reopen to vaccinated Americans . But for many, all the exact details for how Americans will be able to travel to Europe are coming too late for summer 2021 travel plans, or they’re just not ready for international travel yet.

Once Europe reopens to U.S. travelers (likely in June) for the first time in more than a year, it will surely spark a booking spree for those who have been champing at the bit, but there will probably be some amount of time during early summer, maybe lasting into midsummer or even into the back half of the year, when Europe still won’t be welcoming the insane crowds it typically did prepandemic.

For those who are willing to be the front-runners, this presents a unique opportunity to visit some of your favorite European destinations—Paris, Venice, Amsterdam—before they become overrun again.

With demand likely to remain softer than usual this summer, prices for Europe travel should be in your favor, too.

A final tip—for getting cheap(er) flights

As summer flight prices continue to head up due to the growing demand for travel, some travelers may get sticker shock if they’re just now starting to look for summer flights.

Keyes filled us in on some tricks for finding better rates.

“The more flexibility you can give yourself, the better,” said Keyes. “Generally speaking, you have three areas of flexibility: where you go, when you go, when you book.”

With regards to when you book, earlier is definitely better, advised Keyes. As for where and when you go, if you’re really looking for a good deal, you should “take the normal flight search process and flip it on its head,” he said. Rather than searching for a specific destination and time frame, why not look for cheap flights and good deals available from your home airport?

He notes that airfares are “extremely volatile” and you never know when you might see a sudden price drop. Setting price alerts on booking engines like Google Flights and Kayak , and using services like Scott’s Cheap Flights, where you can cater airfare deals to your preferred airports, is the way to go.

>> Next: You’re Vaccinated. Now What? A Complete Guide to Vaccinated Travel

It's time to book your summer trips now — here’s why

Editor's Note

We're already busy booking summer trips here at TPG. In fact, some of us have even begun booking trips for the fall, winter holidays and even early 2025.

Airfare prices are expected to accelerate this spring, though the averages aren't expected to hit the stratospheric levels they did in the past few years. TPG founder Brian Kelly is among the experts predicting 2024 will break records for travel, and summer demand will be high.

The travel website Hopper predicts airfare will come in around the same as last year. "Prices ... are in line with pre-pandemic prices, following a similar trajectory as 2019," a Hopper spokesperson said.

Last summer, airfare peaked at an average of $350 for domestic flights. That was down more than 10% from the $400 of summer 2022 but higher than the average price pre-pandemic.

This year so far according to Hopper, average airfare for summer travel is $325, but that could rise.

"If you see a fare you like, take it." Brian Sumers, editor of The Airline Observer , told TPG. He said, "Summer is typically the busiest time of the year for U.S. airlines, particularly between the middle of June and the end of July, when most children are off of school. It's even worse during holiday weekends. Airlines aren't trying to gouge anyone. It's simply a product of supply and demand. When more people want to fly, prices go up. If they didn't, flights would simply sell out months in advance."

Is it already too late to lock in summer plans and get the best deals? Nope.

Here's everything you need to know if you're thinking of traveling this summer.

Now is the time to book summer flights for the best deals

If you haven't finalized your summer flights yet, now is the time to get going — especially if you're looking to travel abroad.

For domestic trips, you should at least begin to monitor prices for the destinations you'll be visiting.

"The sweet spot for summer travel is two to three months in advance of your departure date," Hayley Berg, Hopper's lead economist, told TPG. "There's no great urgency to book an August vacation right this second. However, it's important to start tracking prices."

For example, Hopper recommends booking in early April for a June trip. If you want to travel for the long Memorial Day weekend, you should book now through April 9.

However, international flights are a different story.

"Travelers should be booking typically three to five months in advance for international," Berg said.

Specifically, if you want to go to Australia or Asia this summer, Berg recommends booking as soon as possible. She adds that if you're looking at traveling to Europe or South America, you may have a few more weeks.

Hopper's Berg said, "Current domestic airfare for summer is averaging $325 per ticket, down 5% from last year and 2% from 2022. Airfare to Europe this summer is averaging just over $1,000 per ticket right now, down 12% from this time last year. Prices remain higher than in 2022 following the incredibly high demand for travel to Europe last summer."

Related: When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?

Keep in mind that some industry analysts are also now suggesting that travelers are booking big trips during longer booking windows.

"Across the board, travelers are planning further ahead compared to the previous year, marking a return to traditional seasonality in 2024," Skyscanner reported . That's interesting because as the world emerged from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers were booking at the last minute. Just something to keep in mind as you book your trips.

Other experts we talked with have had other good suggestions.

"No matter when you plan on flying this summer, always set a fare alert to make sure you're getting the best deal," John E. DiScala, Johnny Jet founder and editor-in-chief, said. "Savvy travelers can even create one after they book their tickets. That way, if the price drops, they can get a travel credit."

While you can track prices in a few ways, we're fans of Google Flights because it's easy to use. Let the website do the work, keeping an eye on prices.

Sumers also told TPG that if you notice prices are especially high, wait.

"On the flip side, if a fare doesn't pass the smell test, and seems too high, it's probably worth waiting. Airlines like to test the market far in advance, and see if they can get travelers to bite. If they sell fewer tickets at the higher prices, they'll have to lower their fares to fill their seats. A Tuesday in mid-August – after many U.S. kids return to school — shouldn't have high fares."

Prices will often go up the longer you wait

Prices for airfare continue to climb month over month.

Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index shows prices are still rising, but increases have slowed. The airline fares index rose 3.6% in February, following a 1.4% increase in January. While that's an upward trend, it pales in comparison to the jump of nearly 26% for airfare between January 2022 and January 2023.

"Airline prices are a function of supply and demand," Sumers said in an interview last year. " ... demand is through the roof. Simple economics dictates what will happen. Prices are going to shoot up."

Inflation continues to be a major factor in pushing prices higher. Jet fuel prices have been rising recently , and airlines are even warning it's affecting earnings. It costs more for hotels , food and entertainment.

And it's not just high airline ticket prices.

Some hotels are selling out early — especially in popular European destinations. In fact, some hotels are already fully booked for summer dates, so if you have a particular property in mind, it's best to lock in your stay sooner rather than later.

Summer travel deals are still available

There is some good news for those who haven't booked travel for summer 2024 quite yet: If you time it right, you can still find cheap flights. Many of these options are highlighted in TPG's deal alerts , so be sure to sign up.

In fact, we've shared an incredible number of flight deals to some of the most popular destinations on the planet, including places like Paris , Dublin and London .

Discount carriers like Norse Atlantic Airways also help drive down prices to historically expensive regions.

It's not just cash prices that can be cheap. You can sometimes use points and miles to get great deals — and later even cancel or rebook your trip if a better deal comes along.

For example, this Flying Blue deal to Europe starts at 15,000 miles each way to Amsterdam and other European cities from places like Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

While we aren't seeing the cruise deals out there like we were when COVID-19 travel restrictions eased, we do have a guide to ways to save on cruises if that's more your jam. "August looks cheaper — probably because schools start going back midmonth in some areas," TPG's managing editor for the cruise team, Erica Silverstein, told me. "The later in August, the cheaper the sailing, most likely."

She also suggested readers look for value-added perks even if the prices aren't super low, such as some cruise lines offering free kids fares (when third and fourth guests are in a cabin).

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Utilize improved travel flexibility to your advantage

During the pandemic's peak, consumers suddenly found themselves with a lot more power as travel demand plummeted; this resulted in airlines and hotels making changing or canceling reservations much easier (and cheaper).

Hotels ditched change fees and early cancellation fees, while airlines made even basic economy tickets more flexible. Some airlines even ended fees for canceling a mileage ticket.

While some of those consumer-friendly policies have been yanked back, many are sticking around for the foreseeable future.

United Airlines, for example, famously said it was eliminating change fees "forever." You'll still need to pay any fare difference when you change flights, but you can at least benefit from the lack of change fees now in many cases.

However, restrictions for basic economy tickets have returned , though they're generally still more flexible than they were before the pandemic.

It's usually best to avoid booking these basic fares unless you are sure you won't need to change or cancel your ticket. DiScala adds that they'll keep you from benefitting from price drops as well, as you won't be able to modify your tickets to save money due to fees tacked on.

Hotels have also gotten more restrictive, but as long as you book a refundable rate, you can make changes to your reservation up until a specified date (usually a few days before your stay is set to begin).

Related: Hotel and flight myths busted: Does your booking method actually matter?

And, of course, many airlines have made family seating rules more consumer-friendly . Some go as far as to guarantee to put you on a different flight without charge if they can't provide seats together for families.

Bottom line

Now is the time to plan and book your summer 2024 travel.

While you still have time to book trips within the U.S. without paying more than you need to, you should set Google Flight alerts for the days and destinations you likely want to book. This way, you won't get priced out of your vacation — or find no availability at all.

This is even more true for international travel.

For those overseas summer trips, you should book soon — or as soon as you see a price that works with your budget — since some options to popular regions like Europe will likely sell out this summer. And then, even if you do manage to snag a last-minute reservation, chances are you'll pay much more than you would've months prior.

Still, Sumers told me that many U.S. airlines have slowed their growth this year, "... which means they'll be flying fewer seats than they once expected. And with fewer seats, they can charge more for each one. But I don't think it's going to be a repeat of 2022 or 2023, when airlines could charge almost anything and people would pay it."

"Revenge travel is mostly over," said Sumers, "and the market has more or less normalized."

Related reading:

• 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
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Breaking news, the majority of us travelers plan to do a road trip this summer: survey.

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Travel experts at The Vacationer released their 2024 summer travel survey results this week, giving an overview of what travelers can expect this summer season beginning on Memorial Day weekend.

The anonymous survey asked more than 1,000 American adults if and how they plan to travel this summer. Mathematics professor Eric Jones of Rowan College, South Jersey, analyzed the results.

According to the survey, nearly 82% of Americans plan to travel this summer, which could be more than 212 million adults throughout the season.

This number is down from summer 2023, with 3% fewer people intending to travel at least once this summer.

While nearly 52%, or 132 million Americans, said they would fly this summer, air travelers are down compared to last summer, when 54% intended to fly at least once.

According to The Points Guy, airline passengers could be in for another busy summer travel season in the U.S. and internationally. Experts also don’t expect fairs to drop significantly compared to last summer.

The average domestic airfare for June will cost about $303, with round-trip routes trending lower for July and August, according to The Points Guy.

According to The Vacationer survey, the most popular method of travel is by road. Seventy-five percent of Americans intend to take at least one road trip this summer, most driving somewhere within 100 miles of their home. 

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Less than 21% will stick to a destination within 250 miles from home, and 5.8% will drive more than 1,000 miles from home. 

How much road trip travelers pay at the gas pump this summer remains to be seen. 

According to AAA, the increasing gas prices may be about to stall – at least for a little while. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.67, about two months ahead of Memorial Day weekend, when the summer travel season begins. 

“The situation overseas with war in both the Middle East and Ukraine has the oil market on edge,” AAA Andrew Gross spokesperson said. “But this is also the time of year we may see a bit of a lull in gasoline demand between the end of spring breaks and ahead of Memorial Day. So the national average for gas may waffle a bit with small increases, some flat days, and even some price dips.”

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Summer Travel

Warm weather often means more bug bites, greater risk of heat-related illnesses, and more water and outdoor activities. Follow CDC’s tips below to protect yourself and others during summer travel.  

Before Your Trip

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

During Your Trip

If your summer travel means you will be outside in the heat, learn how to prevent, recognize, and treat heat-related illness. The more active you are in high temperatures, the more likely you are to get a heat-related illness. Take the following steps to protect yourself:

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
• Rest often and try to stay in the shade when outdoors.
• If you will be doing strenuous activities in the heat such as hiking or biking, try to adjust before you travel by exercising 1 hour per day in the heat.

Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold. You are at the highest risk for UV exposure when you are traveling during summer months, near the equator, at high altitudes, or between 10 am to 4 pm.

Stay safe during water activities. If your summer travels include water activities, be careful when  swimming, boating, or diving , especially in countries where emergency services may not be quickly available. Avoid swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers. Infections such as  schistosomiasis  and  leptospirosis  are spread by contact with fresh water.

Avoid bug bites. Use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. These bugs are typically more active during warm weather.

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If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. 

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

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'Expensive in every way': What travelers should expect this summer

Summer travel in 2024 will be "expensive in every way," said Katharine Nohr. And she should know.

She's planning a two-week adventure to Europe in June, which starts with a marathon flight from Honolulu to Zurich, where she'll speak at a conference. Then she's hopscotching across Europe – to Vienna, then on to the Olympics. Nohr made plans to be in Nantes, France, to watch a soccer game, in Lille for basketball, and in Paris for gymnastics, boxing and swimming.

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All told, it'll set her back five figures despite her best efforts, which include flying economy class and staying in the lowest-priced hotels. 

"The trip is pricey, even with my efforts to economize," said Nohr, an attorney from Honolulu. "But it's a once-in-my-life adventure." 

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Summer travelers are pursuing exciting, expensive vacations

Nohr is part of a wave of travelers who are making big plans for this summer. The itineraries are exciting – and expensive. 

Pretty much every barometer of travel intent is up for the summer travel season. Inflation and unemployment are low, and consumer sentiment and curiosity are high, fueling an unprecedented interest in travel. 

"Bookings are rising," said Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. "Unfortunately, hotel, tour and air prices are not falling. So if you plan on hitting the road this summer, make sure you are willing to splash some cash."

Travel companies say they're overwhelmed with summer reservations.

"The travel economy is booming," said Joe Ialacci, owner of Yacht Hampton Boating Club , a company that rents yachts in Sag Harbor, New York. He's seeing a 40% increase in rentals this summer compared with last year as Americans shift some of their vacation dollars to domestic destinations.

Prices aren't the only thing trending higher. People's expectations for their summer vacation are also higher than at any time since the pandemic, said Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing , a multinational travel agency headquartered in London. 

"They're embracing the unknown," she said.

And one of the great unknowns is travel prices. How much higher will they be?

What will prices be like this summer?

It depends on where you're going. There's good news if you're traveling within the U.S.: Flights and hotels are a little less expensive than last summer . But they're rising elsewhere. Here's the breakdown:

• Airfares are mixed. Domestic round-trip airfares for summer will peak at $315 a ticket, according to the travel platform Hopper . Flights to Europe are cheaper, too. They've fallen 10% from last year to $882. But flights to South America are up 2% and flights to Canada have risen 7%. You'll pay an average of $708 to fly south of the border and $419 to head north.
• U.S. hotel rates are down. Domestically, they're about the same as last year at an average of $206 a night.
• Car rental prices are rising. Average domestic car rental rates are up only 3% this summer to $42 a day on a four-day rental, according to Hopper. 

But you can avoid the high prices with a little strategic planning, experts say.

What to avoid this summer

American travelers are becoming more predictable in their summer vacation choices, said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group . Immediately after the pandemic, they embarked on "revenge" vacations to far-flung locations. Now they're returning to more conventional vacations.

"We continue to see U.S. travelers heading back to the more traditional locations across Europe this year, like London, Rome, Athens and Munich," he said.

There are places that will be exceptionally busy – and exceptionally pricey – this summer.

• Paris during the Olympics. The Olympic Games are in Paris this summer. Rooms are more than double the normal rates , which is typical of the Olympics. Paris is already crowded with tourists during the summer, so you can probably imagine what it will be like with the Olympics. Zut, alors!
• Taylor Swift is touring Europe this summer. Prices will be higher and the crowds will be denser. "If you aren't planning to attend one of her concerts, I recommend planning around those European cities when she's there," said Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach . (Want to know if your schedules overlap? Here's Taylor Swift's concert schedule .)
• Other big summer events. Even if you steer clear of Taylor and the Olympics, you're still not out of the woods. There's the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany in June. There's the Tour de France in July, which begins in Florence and finishes in Nice. France is also hosting the Paralympic Games in August and September in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Bordeaux.

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When is the best time to book a 2024 summer vacation?

Because this is going to be a busy season, the sooner you book, the better. Hopper recommends buying your plane tickets two to three months before your departure for domestic flights, and for international – well, it's probably too late to get that rock-bottom fare. If you're reading this in April, you can still find something for late August or early September, according to its airfare experts.

As always, you can save money by booking a flight for midweek instead of on the weekend – and, of course, by keeping far, far away from the big travel holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. 

Also, if you're going overseas, remember the holiday calendar is different there. For example, half of Europe shuts down in August for summer vacation. It's worth a look-up, otherwise, you could face some real disappointments.

Strategies for traveling better during the summer

One tactic that consistently works is splitting your getaway into two sections. Take that required summer vacation with your family somewhere less expensive during the high season. Then, wait until shoulder season for the big trip. 

That's what Ross Copas, a retired electrician from Tweed, Canada, is doing during the summer of 2024. It's a road trip across the northern U.S. by motorcycle – New York to Washington state, and then back east through Canada. 

Then he's heading to Amsterdam in September for a 23-day European river cruise. He said the late-summer getaway will be costly, but he doubts fares will fall anytime soon. "So price be damned," he said.

Actually, that's pretty smart. I took the same cruise on Viking River Cruises many years ago, and it was worth every penny.

With hotel rates rising in some places this summer, this is the right time to consider alternatives. Monica Fish, a writer from Glen Rock, New Jersey, is headed to Ireland to catch one of Taylor Swift's performances. She said hotel rooms in Dublin are overpriced, if they're even available. But Fish found an affordable vacation rental. 

"We just had to book it farther in advance than we normally would," she said. 

Go ahead, follow the crowds this summer

I think it's fine to follow the crowds this summer. I'll be doing it. I'm planning to rent an apartment for a month in Switzerland with Blueground, a long-term apartment rental company. Then I'm crashing on a friend's sofa in Spain, then heading to Sweden to see other friends and visiting my brother in Finland. Yes, travel writers know people everywhere . 

But don't follow the crowds off a cliff. There are places even I won't go. I might take the four-hour train trip from Zurich to Paris in June to check out my favorite patisseries, but I wouldn't go anywhere near the City of Lights during the Summer Games in July unless I made a reservation a long time ago.

And Taylor Swift? Puh-leeze. I'm more of a jazz guy.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

Ask Skift: What Are Summer Travel Trends for 2024?

Rashaad Jorden , Skift

April 12th, 2024 at 9:35 AM EDT

As a monster summer travel season is a rapidly approaching, here are some trends worth noting as the industry continues its recovery from the pandemic.

Rashaad Jorden

Travel brands are busy preparing for the upcoming summer season, and travel demand is xpected to surpass pre-pandemic levels . What are the major trends for this summer?

We put the question to our artificial intelligence chatbot  Ask Skift , which used information from our past news coverage and research, and we did additional reporting as well.

Ask Skift said:

Based on recent articles from Skift, several travel trends are emerging for summer 2024.

First, many travelers are keeping an open mind when it comes to their summer trips. In fact, 51% of visitors to a certain website and app are still undecided on a destination or departure date as of March 2024.

In terms of specific travel behaviors, there’s a growing trend of digital nomadism, where people are traveling while working, spurred on by the rise of remote work. This trend is not only popular among solo travelers but across different traveler segments as well. There’s also a noticeable increase in travelers seeking social connections during their travels. For instance, about 66% of Hostelworld’s guests travel solo to meet people to hang out with .

Personalized experiences are becoming more in-demand , with more travelers hiring private drivers and guides to design their unique tours, showing a growing demand for more independent travel experiences.

In terms of accommodation, hotels remain the top choice, but vacation rentals are also gaining in popularity . Direct bookings, especially for hotels and flights, maintain an upward trend. It’s also worth noting that international tourism is predicted to rise by 15% in 2024 , exceeding 2019 levels by 2%, suggesting a strong recovery for the travel industry.

Ask Skift Is the AI Chatbot for the Travel Industry

Go deeper into the business of travel with Skift’s new AI chatbot.

What else you need to know:

One trend to look out for this summer is the rise of “ coolcations ,” which are summer vacations in colder and more moderate destinations. Condé Nast Traveler listed coolcationing as one of 2024’s biggest travel trends , with a growing number of travelers looking to avoid scorching heat .

A survey by luxury travel network Virtuoso found 75% of travelers are seeking destinations with more moderate weather, according to its Vice of President of Sustainability Javier Arrendondo. In addition, 46% of Virtuoso advisors said climate change was causing their clients to travel differently.

As for where travelers might head to this summer, a survey by Skyscanner found 53% of those based in Europe, the Middle East and Africa said they’re choosing Europe as a summer holiday destination this year. That’s a 4% percent jump from 2023. Meanwhile, roughly 12% of EMEA travelers are looking to visit Southeast Asia this summer, a 1% increase from last year.

Skyscanner attributed that shift in part to a 4% decline in interest among EMEA travelers in visiting North America this summer, which the travel metasearch site said was likely caused by the strength of the U.S. dollar.

The strength of the U.S. dollar is also driving more Americans to plan travel to destinations where their money will go further. Tour operator Intrepid Travel said its North American bookings to Southeast Asia for this year are up 15% from 2023, according to the company’s President of the Americas Matt Berna.

As for travelers based in the Asia-Pacific region, more of them are looking to visit destinations closer to home this summer. Skyscanner found roughly 10% fewer APAC travelers are looking to book trips to Europe, while it saw 4% and 1% increases in those looking to visit North Asia and Southeast Asia this summer, respectively.

Finally, this summer is poised to see a further boom in the rise of ‘ destination dupes ,’ in which travelers opt to visit a less crowded or less expensive location with a vibe similar to that of a more popular destination.

“We’ve seen some more ‘alternate’ destinations starting to grow in popularity, like Balkans in Europe with lesser-known destinations like Albania becoming a popular alternate to Croatia,” said Berna, adding that bookings made to Italy and France for the first quarter of 2024 dropped 25% from the previous year.

“We anticipate more people this summer looking to avoid those bucket list trips this year to escape the crowds, as well as find better deals.”  

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Tags: ask skift , climate change , skyscanner , summer , summer travel

Photo credit: This summer will continue to see more scenes like this. Phil Shirley / Flickr

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Vote for your favorite summer travel destination!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Whether you're hitting the road with the family or embarking on a solo adventure, summer is the peak season for travel in the United States. There are so many endlessly compelling sights to see and things to do throughout this country's millions of square miles, from picturesque national parks to sleepy mountain towns to breathtakingly beautiful beaches. An expert panel has nominated their 20 must-see places for a summer vacation, and we need your help to crown the best of the best. Which summer travel destination is your favorite spot? Vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, May 13 at noon ET. The 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 22.  Read the official Readers' Choice rules .

Whether you're hitting the road with the family or embarking on a solo adventure, summer is the peak season for travel in the United States. There are so many endlessly compelling sights to see and things to do...   Read More

Best Summer Travel Destination Nominees

Photo courtesy of The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce

Bar Harbor, Maine

Located on Mount Desert Island, this quaint small town is known as a gateway to iconic Acadia National Park and is a popular cruise stop. During a visit, be sure to spend time in Bar Harbor's idyllic downtown, which is home to a plethora of top-tier eateries, small boutiques, and art galleries.

Photo courtesy of Melanie LeDuc / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Black Hills & Badlands, South Dakota

Situated in South Dakota, set about 70 miles apart, the Black Hills and Badlands offer an experience full of history, geological wonders, and stunning views. The area is home to the famous Mt. Rushmore, which receives more than 2 million visitors a year.

Photo courtesy of pabradyphoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Capitol Reef Country, Utah

Nestled in southern Utah, Capitol Reef Country incorporates Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches national parks. Because of their proximity to each other, this makes for an excellent road trip adventure where you’ll get to see the striking geologic strata that makes this area unique. 

Photo courtesy of Jasper Chamber / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island, which stretches 22 miles, is an ideal coastal destination in California. Historically significant because it’s been the filming location for more than 500 films, TV shows, and commercials over the past 90 years, this family-friendly destination is also well-known for its pristine beaches, outdoor activities, and sumptuous seafood. 

Photo courtesy of Cody Yellowstone

Cody, Wyoming

This rugged mountain town is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, and it's known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World," offering you a glimpse into the Wild West. Named after Buffalo Bill Cody, Cody, Wyoming, features sweeping views, hearty and authentic cowboy fare, and many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Photo courtesy of Dan Eggert/Destination Door County

Door County, Wisconsin

For an unexpected lakeside vacation spot, it’s hard to beat Wisconsin’s Door County, home to 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and every water sport you can imagine. Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, and even scuba diving around shipwrecks are all among the aquatic activities available throughout this Midwestern destination. For those who prefer staying on land, there’s also a solid beer and wine scene, art galleries to explore, plus hiking, biking, and more at their five state parks. 

Photo courtesy of UpdogDesigns / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Finger Lakes, New York

New York's Finger Lakes region comprises 11 lakes in upstate New York, offering an ideal summer getaway by the water. The area is well-recognized for its rieslings, so you’ll want to book a wine tasting at one of the many wineries while visiting. And if you have little ones in tow, visit the Seabreeze Amusement Park, where you can enjoy a number of rides and attractions. 

Photo courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Alabama's Gulf Coast offers 32 miles of pristine white sand beaches and cerulean blue waters, and it's home to an amazing restaurant scene. This spot is popular with families because of the many outdoor activities available for all ages. Whether you want to relax on the beach, head out on a kayaking expedition, or venture to an amusement park, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. 

Photo courtesy of Jody O for Travel Juneau

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is an eclectic mountain town boasting over 250 miles of hiking trails, as well as a walkable, charming downtown. Situated on Gastineau Channel, the city offers plenty of opportunities to get on the water. It's also home to diverse wildlife, rich in Indigenous history, and full of lovely accommodations. You’ll find this one of Alaska’s ultimate gems, especially in the summer.

Photo courtesy of Alex Byers

Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania

If you love the great outdoors, you’ll be smitten with Laurel Highlands, which sits in southwestern Pennsylvania. It’s approximately 3,000 square miles and includes three counties: Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland. Visit Fallingwater, which is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s most acclaimed works. For thrill-seekers, book a white-water rafting excursion in Ohiopyle State Park. The park also offers numerous challenging hikes where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views.

Photo courtesy of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, you’ll find Mackinac Island, where you’ll ride on horse-drawn carriages along car-free roads, observe fudge being made (and then sample it), and tour the historic Fort Mackinac. This Lake Huron-based continental island is also home to Mackinac Island State Park, where you can hike, bike, kayak, and take photos of the local natural beauty, including the stunning limestone Arch Rock.

Photo courtesy of Ocean City, MD Tourism

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland, is the quintessential beach town, offering laid-back vibes, old-fashioned boardwalk treats, and beautiful sandy beaches. Head over to a bustling arcade, get in line for a thrill at Trimper Rides, or simply sit back with a good book and dig your feet into the sand.

Photo courtesy of Ocean City Chamber of Commerce

Ocean City, New Jersey

This family-friendly vacation spot on the Jersey Shore is known for its exciting boardwalk, with shops and eateries galore, views of the Atlantic, plus vintage amusement parks. Playland’s Castaway Cove is one such park, with go-karts, thrill rides including roller coasters, a fun house, and mini golf. And if parks aren’t your thing, there’s miles and miles of relaxing beaches on which to get in some sun and swimming.

Photo courtesy of Katie Jones via San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

San Juan Islands, Washington

While there are some 176 islands and reefs that make up the San Juan Islands, the main four — San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw — are serviced by the state ferry system and offer accommodations for tourists. While these islands are diverse and offer different experiences, they all feature spectacular vistas of the Salish Sea, with plenty of water and land activities to keep everyone busy. Accommodations range from hotels and resorts to small inns, vacation rentals, and camping sites.

Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio

Sandusky, Ohio

Home to Cedar Point amusement park, which has over 150 rides and attractions, Sandusky is an ideal family-friendly vacation spot. The town is also home to a picturesque downtown with art galleries, boutiques, and a thriving culinary scene. Visit the Maritime Museum of Sandusky for a look at the city’s history, or head to the Sandusky State Theatre and take in a performance. 

Photo courtesy of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

Sevier County, Tennessee

Sevier County, Tennessee, is widely known as a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Three towns are ideal spots for setting up base camp while visiting the region: Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Offering everything from picture-perfect scenery to Dollywood to the state’s only ski resort, there's plenty to see and do in the area.

Photo courtesy of NPS Photo/J. Baird

South Rim - Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Probably the exact location you're picturing when you think of the Grand Canyon, the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is an iconic American destination worthy of many a bucket list. Check out Grand Canyon Village during a visit, which offers a range of attractions and accommodations. It’s also the site of the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, which is still in service today and takes visitors on a scenic ride, where you might spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and mountain lions.

Photo courtesy of Space Coast Office of Tourism

Space Coast, Florida

Situated on Florida’s Atlantic shore, the Space Coast area is recognized as the home of the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, where Apollo 11 lifted off for its moon landing mission. The region is also a hub of activities, including water sports, cruise excursions, fishing, and golfing. It's also a great spot for lazy beach days.

Photo courtesy of Swain County NC Chamber of Commerce

Swain County, North Carolina

Swain County, home to charming Bryson City, is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area is overflowing with hiking trails, scenic waterfalls, golfing, and water activities. You'll find opportunities for tubing, as well as white-water rafting, with the Nantahala Outdoor Center offering 500 acres of adventure.

Photo courtesy of OKRAD / E+ Getty Images

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach’s 3-mile long boardwalk is a major draw for those that visit this town, known for its maritime history and family-friendly appeal. It comprises three beach areas: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay, and Sandbridge Beach, which stretches for 35 miles, making it the world’s longest pleasure beach in the world. With a flourishing downtown and amazing restaurants, Virginia Beach makes for a great summer escape.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

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American Air sees return to profit on summer travel demand

American Airlines Group Inc. expects a return to profit heading into the busy summer travel season after bad weather and delays linked to air traffic congestion weighed on the carrier’s early-year results.

Adjusted earnings will be $1.15 to $1.45 a share in the second quarter, American said in a statement Thursday as it reported a loss for the first three months. The midpoint is above the $1.16 average of analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

The outlook is an early sign that American’s post-pandemic shift in strategy to focus on domestic and near-international routes may pay off. The carrier believes its Sun Belt hubs in the US will benefit from a shift in population to states like Texas and Florida and its regional aircraft network can serve a broader base of smaller cities with little airline presence.

American shares slipped 2.1% at 9:41 a.m. in New York, reversing a premarket gain as the broader market fell. The stock increased 1.3% this year through Wednesday.

Capacity this quarter will climb as much as 9% from 2023, fueled by another summer of strong leisure demand and growing corporate and small business travel. Analyst were expecting 7.6% growth on average. Non-fuel unit costs will rise as much as 3%.

The airline reiterated its full-year profit forecast of $2.25 to $3.25 a share.

The carrier has largely sidestepped fallout from the crisis engulfing Boeing Co., which has slowed deliveries amid manufacturing issues and has struggled to get certification for overdue models. While American has purchased the delayed 737 Max 10, those aren’t scheduled to start arriving until 2028. Chief Executive Officer Robert Isom has encouraged the planemaker to “get its act together.”

Isom reiterated that message on a conference call Thursday with analysts, saying he has talked repeatedly with Boeing’s management.

“Get back to the basics - quality and safety are paramount,” the CEO said about the planemaker. “We’ll continue to work with them, do everything we can to support Boeing.”

Fewer Planes

Manufacturing delays will reduce to 16 the number of 737 Max aircraft American receives this year, down from 20 previously, and 787 deliveries will slide to three from six.

“With our narrowbody fleet and what we’ve projected in the widebody fleet we’re in pretty good shape with aircraft through the end of the decade,” Isom said.

American’s first-quarter adjusted loss of 34 cents a share compared with a 29-cent deficit expected by analysts. Revenue was $12.6 billion. The results for the period were affected by “significant weather events across its network,” American said.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier in February increased the cost to check bags. Global airlines collected $33.3 billion in such fees in 2023, up 15% from a year earlier.

American has delayed until July a change under which most customers will earn AAdvantage miles and loyalty points if they book flights directly with the carrier or certain partner airlines or preferred travel agencies. The shift was to have occurred May 1. It’s part of a broader effort by the airline to push customers and companies to deal directly with American instead of going through online agencies or corporate travel managers.

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How to watch ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ Season 7 Episode 12 (for free)

• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 2:30 p.m.

• Joseph Rejent | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

“ Jersey Shore: Family Vacation ” will continue its new season at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 25. You can watch the premiere live as it airs on DirecTV Stream (free trial) or Philo (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial) .

In the episode, entitled “Are You Friends With Her?,” the family will plan a trip to Tucson with limited input from Deena, while Sammi will become a part of a viral TikTok.

Keep up with all of the latest “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” news here.

In addition to the returning Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola , the series also stars Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi , Jenni ‘JWOWW’ Farley, Vinny Guadagnino, Pauly ‘DJ Pauly D’ Delvecchio, Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino, and Deena Cortese.

Here’s the information you’ll need to watch a free live stream of “ Jersey Shore: Family Vacatio ” online without cable.

How to watch ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ without cable

If you’re a cord-cutter or don’t have cable, you can live stream “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” on o ne of the following streaming services:

DIRECTV Stream (free trial)

In addition to ABC, Freeform, ESPN, and the other Disney channels, DIRECTV Stream offers CBS, NBC, and FOX. This sets it apart from most live TV streaming services. On top of that, a subscription gets you access to more than 65 other channels in its base package, including Nickelodeon, MTV, CNN, vh1, and more. The biggest selling point for DIRECTV Stream , however, is that it is the best for live and regional sports coverage. Add that to over 65,000 on-demand titles and its Cloud DVR and you have a diverse, versatile service that can meet any of your streaming needs. The base package costs $64.99 per month, with a wide range of add-on options. DIRECTV Stream offers a five-day free trial .

Philo (free trial)

Philo is remarkably inexpensive for the amount of content it offers, with more than 70 live channels, the ability to stream from three devices simultaneously and a 365-day DVR with unlimited space. Subscribers will also have access to thousands of movies and TV series on-demand. The service costs $25 per month. There are several available packages that include premium channels, like Epix and Starz, for an additional cost. Philo also offers a seven-day free trial that includes all the features of full subscription.

Fubo TV (free trial)

Fubo is considered the ultimate live TV streaming service for anyone seeking to cut the cord. With a subscription, you get access to over 100 channels (depending on your local area), 30 hours of DVR space and tons of on-demand content, mainly featuring episodes of shows that have aired in recent weeks. Fubo has ABC and the ESPN family, too, making it a top option for sports fans. The service costs $74.99 per month, with a range of add-on options, and features a seven-day free trial .

When is ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ on?

“Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” continues on Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m. on MTV. It will be followed by a rerun of “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” at 9 p.m., and a slate of “Ridiculousness” reruns at 10 p.m.

What channel is MTV?

You can use the channel finder on your provider’s website to locate it: Verizon Fios , AT&T U-verse , Comcast Xfinity , Spectrum/Charter , Optimum/Altice , DIRECTV , and Dish .

How to watch ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ online on-demand

If you missed an episode of “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” or want to binge watch previous seasons online, look for it on DIRECTV Stream (free trial) or Philo (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial) . Both streaming services offer free trials that last several days.

What is ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ about?

According to the official MTV website : The Jersey Shore crew comes together from across the country to have the wildest group vacation yet.

“Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” is a reunion series based on the infamous original “Jersey Shore,” which ran from 2009 to 2012. Both shows have filmed in Seaside Heights, NJ; Miami, FL; and Florence, Italy.

Here’s a look at what happens when Vinny admits that he may be ready to settle down in this week’s “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation,” courtesy of the show’s official YouTube channel:

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Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at [email protected] .

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Watch ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ season 7 episode 12 for free on MTV

• Updated: Apr. 25, 2024, 4:34 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 4:00 p.m.

"Jersey Shore Family Vacation" season 7, episode 12, "Are You Friends With Her?" airs Thursday, April 25 on MTV. Courtesy of MTV via YouTube.com

• Yzzy Liwanag | [email protected]

“Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” continues with a new episode on Thursday, April 24 (4/24/2024) at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. The newest episode of the season can be streamed live on Philo (free trial) , fuboTV (free trial) , and other live TV services listed below.

Season 7 Episode 12 is titled “Are You Friends With Her?” The group starts their journey in Las Vegas, where they indulge in the city’s nightlife. After their adventures in Sin City, they return to the East Coast, marking milestones in Atlantic City, before settling in for a long summer at the shore, reminiscing about their past together.

How can I watch “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” for free?

Cord cutters can sign up for Philo (free trial) , fuboTV (free trial) , or DirecTV Stream (free trial) to stream the episode live.

Cable subscribers can log in on MTV.com with their cable credentials to stream the episode for free.

What is “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” about?

According to MTV, “Six seasons together cultivating a reputation as the world’s most famous party-mates turned the cast members of ‘Jersey Shore’ into pop-culture sensations. Their stars burned bright until the plug was pulled in 2012, seemingly for good. Now, after kids were born, marriage vows were exchanged and countless ‘GTL’ sessions in the interim, the groundbreaking show returns. It’s billed as a family vacation, about 1,200 miles from Jersey, as the gang takes up residence in a swanky townhouse in Miami Beach. Older and perhaps wiser, original cast members reunite.”

What are the differences between the streaming services?

Philo is a live TV streaming service focused on entertainment channels like MTV, Paramount Network, Discovery and more. It offers 60+ channels for the budget-friendly price of $25 per month. It has unlimited DVR, and can be streamed on all your favorite app-enabled devices. Right now, you can try Philo free for 7 days.

FuboTV is a live TV streaming service focused on live sports, including U.S. and international soccer, the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and more. It also includes its own fubo Sports Networks with exclusive programming. It offers 150 channels starting at $74.99, including 1,000 hours of DVR, and streams on most devices. Right now you can try fuboTV free for 7 days.

DirecTV Stream is comparable to FuboTV, as it provides similar channels and functionalities. Their basic package, priced at $74.99 per month with a free trial, includes just over 75 live TV channels. You can explore all of DirecTV Stream’s channel packages on their website.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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American Airlines forecasts upbeat Q2 profit as business travel rebounds

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Airport operator ADP Q1 revenue boosted by post-pandemic travel boom

French airport group ADP reported on Friday a better-than-expected rise in first-quarter revenue, benefiting from the post-pandemic holiday boom and as travellers splashed more cash on food and drink at its airports.

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How to watch ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ Thursdays on MTV

• Updated: Apr. 25, 2024, 2:30 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 2:29 p.m.
• Mallory Dwortz | [email protected]

MTV “Jerzdays” continue tonight at 8/7c . Stream “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” season 7 for free by registering for a Philo , FuboTV , or DIRECTV Stream trial.

About the show:

Tonight on “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation,” episode 12, “Are You Friends With Her?” finds the group planning yet another getaway, this time in Tucson. Deena decides to take a step back and let the guys take the lead, hoping for a chill trip; but when Sammi’s TikTok causes trouble, no one is able to avoid the drama.

Watch new “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” season 7 every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on MTV .

Where to watch:

• Philo (start free trial) - For $25/month , ditch cable and unlock 70+ channels of reality TV, movies, and more, live and on-demand. Click here to watch.
• Fubo (free trial) - For $79.99/month , switch to Fubo and stream over 100 channels of shows, sports, news, and more. Plans include Cloud DVR as well as a free trial. Register here .
• Sling (try today) - Save on Sling for a limited-time. For the first month , plans start at $25 off — that’s $15 for Sling Orange or Sling Blue , and $30 for both Orange + Blue (followed by $40/month and $55/month , respectively). Register and stream 30+ channels including sports, MTV reality (with Entertainment Extra , additional $6/month ), DVR storage, and more. Click here to get started.
• DIRECTV Stream (try it free) - Choose DIRECTV Stream to enjoy 75+ channels and numerous entertainment add-ons . Prices range from $69.99/month to $159.99/month . Compare plans here .
• Paramount+ (try it free) - For $5.99/month ( $11.99/month for Paramount+ with Showtime ), stream sports, MTV , CBS , and more. Click here to watch “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” seasons 1 through 5.
• Angelina Pivarnick
• Deena Cortese
• Jenni “JWOWW” Farley
• Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino
• Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
• Pauly “DJ Pauly D” Delvecchio
• Ronnie Ortiz-Magro
• Samantha “Sammi Sweetheart” Giancola
• Vinny Guadagnino

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.