Flying to Europe in the summer of 2023 appears to be the most expensive on record. Hopper reports that ticket prices for round-trip international flights to popular European cities such as Rome, London, Paris and Barcelona are typically around $500 cheaper for travel in the fall months (the shoulder season) than they would be in the summer. With recent Covid-19 restrictions easing, American travel abroad has been steadily increasing. "If you're willing to be slightly flexible in terms of when you go, that's where you can really get the low fares."
This summer, airfare to Europe hit an all-time high, causing sticker shock for many seeking overseas travel. Nevertheless, those willing to wait until the fall "shoulder season" — September and October — could potentially save hundreds of dollars per ticket.According to research from Hopper, a travel app, the average cost of a round-trip to Europe from the United States in June, July, and August is $500 more than during the shoulder season.For example, a round-trip ticket to Rome during the summer months costs $1,284 on average. If you book in the fall, you would pay $736 instead, making for a 43% reduction in the ticket cost, or $548 in savings. A slightly lower discount is available in London with round-trip tickets at $693 in the fall, versus $1,025 in the summer, which is 32% less. Barcelona is third with a 37% decrease going from $1,193 down to $757.Lead Economist for Hopper, Hayley Berg, was optimistic about these findings: “If you're willing to be slightly flexible in terms of when you go, that's where you can really get the low fares.”
Traveling during the shoulder season may lead to noteworthy savings compared to recent high costs, experts opined. This is because of the law of supply and demand: with less people traveling during the fall, prices naturally decrease. Unfortunately, some travelers such as families with children and teachers on summer break may not be able to make use of this bargain, but those who can would likely benefit from milder weather and less crowds, as noted by Sally French, a NerdWallet travel expert.
2023 has witnessed a remarkable hike in the cost of international travel as people make up for missed vacations during the Covid-19 pandemic. The amount of passport applications and participation in federal travel initiatives such as Global Entry has also hit a record high this year. Regulations that were established because of Covid-19 have become more relaxed, making overseas travel easier. For instance, the US got rid of the requirement of a test for international travellers back in June of 2022. Despite some countries still closing off their borders in the summer of last year, especially in Asia, currently only seven nations are imposing restrictions on vaccinated American tourists, while the number raises to 23 for the unvaccinated citizens. According to French, “this is the first year when people don't have to satisfy many Covid-related requirements at all.”
Hopper declared that summer 2023 is the priciest time to travel to Europe so far, with tickets averaging $1,200, which is $50 more than the peak in 2018. Berg remarked that average costs for airfare to the second most-favored destination for Americans, Asia, are 64% above pre-pandemic figures. Moreover, the cost of a European hotel room per night is $205, a 37% jump from last year. Cities such as Rome and Madrid have experienced even more of an increase over the past twelve months with prices ascending by 63% and 41%, respectively, as reported by Hopper.
Cost has evidently not been a factor in preventing people from planning to journey overseas. This is understandable from a financial point of view. The average American tourist abroad commonly has a higher income - averaging around $110,000 compared to $83,000 across all travelers - and is much more confident about their financial situation, which reflects in a greater eagerness to spend on leisure activities, as indicated in a poll by Destination Analysts, a tourism market research company.
Planning ahead and being flexible is key when it comes to saving on your next trip. Try traveling on Tuesday and Wednesday, rather than the weekend. Consider alternate destinations to more popular spots such as Paris and Rome, e.g. Scandinavia. Use Google Flights and Explore to help you find the best deals for flights. Furthermore, try to book international flights at least 3 months in advance, and take advantage of any frequent flier miles or other benefits you may have. Investigate the travel benefits that your credit card offers, and consider all the costs involved, such as lodging, before confirming your booking. Traveling during the off-season is also an effective way to find a good deal.
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