Spring into savings: Why now is the best time to book your dream international trip
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Aribnb breaks down the hottest travel trends this spring break
Airbnb has revealed the most popular spring travel destinations and the reasoning behind the surge.
Spring shoulder season, which falls between April and May, offers lower prices and fewer crowds at popular international destinations.
Travelers can save up to 30% on airfare by booking during the spring shoulder season instead of waiting for the peak summer months.
Popular destinations like Tokyo, London, Paris, and Seoul offer significant savings on airfare during April and May.
The weeks between spring break and summer can feel like a lull to many travelers, but it's actually one of the best times to go on that big international trip.
Spring shoulder season, arriving in April and May, brings lower prices and fewer crowds before the peak summer rush sets in. Travelers can enjoy cheap airfare along with a more relaxed atmosphere at some of the top destinations. (For many places, you'll also score temperate weather as the sweltering summer heat has yet to hit.)
This year, spring shoulder season could save travelers up to 30%, with price drops between $250 and $380 to popular international destinations, according to Kayla Inserra DeLoache, KAYAK's consumer travel trends expert.
Stretch your dollar: 5 international destinations where US money goes further
Here's another bonus of traveling during the off-season: it also makes you a more sustainable traveler. Going when there are no crowds means you won't be joining the hordes of summer tourists overwhelming a destination that may already be dealing with overtourism.
'For any travelers looking to book that summer trip and facing some sticker shock from popular destinations, I recommend widening your travel dates to spring or fall," said Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner. "The shoulder season can be a great way to stretch your budget and get amazing deals. Flexibility in travel booking, whether it's travel dates, destinations, airports, or airlines will always yield the best deals."
In recent years, Skyscanner has seen more travelers book summer vacations before peak season to beat the crowds.
Here are the best shoulder season deals, according to some of the top travel platforms.
Tokyo
This year, Japan is stealing the hearts of travelers who want to explore its ancient temples, delicious cuisine and tranquil onsens. (The favorable conversion rate for Americans doesn't hurt either.) Spring is an ideal time to visit, with a round trip flight from the U.S. costing $1,194, about 13% less than in June and July this year, according to Hopper.
London
London, during the spring, offers cooler temperatures and cheaper flights for travelers. Last year, the average airfare to London in April cost $581 and shot up to $718 in July, Skyscanner found.
This year, travelers can save up to 18% if they go during April or May instead of June and July, according to Hopper.
Paris
The City of Lights is one of the most romantic perennial destinations with endless gastronomy, history and art. Last April, the average flight cost to Paris was $518 in April but rose to $803 in July – an increase of 55%, according to Skyscanner.
Flights to Paris this April and May go for $768 compared to $939 during June and July, for a savings of 18%, according to Hopper.
Seoul
Seoul is another emerging destination for American travelers, with a 25% increase in lodging searches this spring, according to Expedia. Travelers can score up to 17% in flight savings if they book in April or May for flight costs of $1,326. In June and July, prices go up to $1,605, according to Hopper.
Rome
The Eternal City has been struggling with overtourism and crowding at its most popular destinations, prompting it to consider fixed time slots at sites like the Trevi Fountain. Visiting during shoulder season not only helps you avoid those peak summer crowds but leaves more money in your bank account. Last April, the average airfare to Rome was $658 and shot up to $982 in June, according to Skyscanner.
Hopper data shows that a round trip flight during April and May costs around $813, about 18% cheaper than the $988 airfare in June and July.
Athens
Spring travelers to Athens can roam ancient ruins and indulge in fresh Mediterranean cuisine, all without breaking the bank. Last April, flights to Athens went for $869 on average, and reached $1,131 by June, according to Skyscanner.
Round trip airfare in April and May costs $861 for a savings of 21% compared to the summer, according to Hopper.
Taipei
Ancient temples, affordable street food, and modern skyscrapers comprise the bustling capital of Taiwan, and spring is one of the best times to visit. Travelers can score big savings during this shoulder season – a whopping 29% with airfare for April and May costing $971, Hopper data found.
Helsinki
The coastal capital of Finland seamlessly blends together modern architecture, sustainable living and historic landmarks, like the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fortress Suomenlinna. According to KAYAK airfare between March and May, airfare is $793 on average, about 32% cheaper than in June to August.
Glasgow
Scotland's Glasgow is the ideal destination for travelers seeking out a vibrant arts and culture scene along with eye-catching gothic architecture. Although spring will be a bit chillier than summer, a visit before peak season can save travelers up to 32% on airfare, according to KAYAK. Flights between March and May are priced at $854 on average before rising to $1,129 from June to August.
Bali
Known for its beaches and spiritual atmosphere, Bali has long been enchanting travelers looking for solace. Spring shoulder season offers cheaper airfare without contributing to overtourism at the Indonesian destination. KAYAK data shows flights between March and May costing $1,335 on average, about 29% less than the $1,719 price tag for June to August airfare.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
This Is the Most Expensive Country to Visit in 2025
With high inflation and daily costs, travelers can expect to spend more than $400 per day at this gorgeous Points Iceland is the most expensive destination for U.S. tourists in 2025, according to a study. Iceland's high daily costs and high inflation rate contributed to the expense. Australia and Mexico rounded out the top three most expensive tourist destinations for internationally can be pricey, but one European destination in particular tops the list for the most expensive in the world for Americans. Iceland was named the most expensive popular tourism destination for 2025, according to a recent study by The Forex Complex shared with Travel + Leisure. The financial trading company evaluated 19 international destinations and found the average vacation cost in Iceland totaled more than $400 per day, the highest of any country included in the study. In addition, the report noted Iceland's inflation rate is 5.5 percent, adding to the overall costs of hotels, food, and transport. 'Currency fluctuations can significantly reshape travel costs, even in countries with stable local prices. While daily expenses tend to dominate perceptions of affordability, shifts in exchange rates can quietly make or break a vacation budget for American tourists,' a spokesperson for The Forex Complex said in a statement shared with T+L. 'In 2025, travelers who overlook currency trends might be in for a costlier summer than expected.' The second most-expensive destination was Australia where daily vacation expenses came in at around $280 per day. Inflation in Australia is relatively low—just 2.4 percent—but costs remain high. Mexico came in third on the list in part due to a strong 6.4 percent increase in its currency (the Mexican peso) against the dollar. This adds to costs for American tourists and may offset the relatively inexpensive prices that would otherwise make Mexico a more budget-friendly destination. Popular destinations for American tourists in Europe—like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy— now cost less thanks to more favorable exchange rates, but high daily prices still keep them in the top 10. (The UK came in at No. 8, Germany came in at No. 9, and Italy came in at No. 10.) The least expensive destination included in the study was Thailand, which boasts an average per-day spend of just $81.87 and a weakened currency (the Thai baht) compared to the U.S. dollar. Indonesia was the second most-affordable thanks to a daily average cost of just $70.23, but hindered by its inflation rate of 1.95 percent. To determine the results, the Forex Complex weighed three factors: the average daily tourism-related costs in U.S. dollars, the local inflation rate, and the year-to-year change in the destination's currency strength compared to the dollar. The study took into account several common expenses, including the cost of accommodations, transportation options, and the price of meals. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Solve the daily Crossword
Los Angeles Times
3 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
The reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration
NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenneth Harris spent most of his days in Atlanta yearning for a life in a place where his dark skin color is not a source of suspicion, but a mark of a shared heritage. His chance came two years ago when he bought a one-way ticket to Kenya. The 38-year-old retired veteran has found a community in the east African country's capital, where he now runs an Airbnb business. He loves admiring Nairobi's golden sunset from a rooftop terrace, and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in a tastefully furnished apartment in an upmarket neighborhood. Harris is part of a growing wave of African Americans who are relocating to Kenya, citing the need to connect with their ancestors — or 'coming home,' a phrase often used among the Black community. Like dozens of other African Americans who have moved to Nairobi in recent years, Harris was attracted to Kenya's tropical climate and what he describes as the warmth and friendliness of the people he believes he shares a history and culture with. 'I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places,' he said. 'That is what allowed me to make a home away from home and Kenya is my new home.' Some friends have reaching out to him to explore a 'change from the U.S for their peace of mind,' he said. Several other African Americans who have 'come home' like him have set up thriving businesses in Nairobi that include travel agencies, restaurants and farms. Many African Americans who have sought a better life abroad or are considering it said President Trump's administration — with its crackdown on diversity programs — isn't the main reason they want to move. Rather, most say they had been mulling a move for some time, and the current political environment in the U.S. may be pushing them to act sooner than initially planned. 'I can't say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life,' Harris said. Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who has lived in various countries for almost a decade, said he settled on Kenya nine months ago because people 'look like me.' 'It is not like going to Europe or going to some Latin American countries where there are not many Black people,' he said. Holleman, who often films his daily life, said he felt that the social fabric in the U.S. was 'broken.' In contrast, he said he felt socially accepted in Kenya. He cited an experience when his taxi driver's car stopped, and in five minutes they got help from a random stranger. 'That made me realize I was in the right place,' he said. Other African countries have attracted even larger numbers of African Americans. Ghana, which launched a 'Year of the Return' program to attract the Black diaspora in 2019, said last year it held a ceremony that granted citizenship to 524 people, mostly Black Americans. African American businesses such as Adilah Relocation Services have seen a notable rise in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya. The company's founder, Adilah Mohammad, moved to Kenya four days after her mother's funeral in search of healing. She says the peace and restoration she experienced in Kenya made her stay — and advocate for those searching for the same. Her company helps clients relocate by house hunting, shopping for furniture and ensuring banking and medical services are seamless. 'There are 15 families that have come so far, and we have five more on the calendar that are coming in the next 90 days. We have people that have booked for 2026 with no date, they just know that they are leaving,' she says. Mohammad said many African Americans have been planning their move for decades. 'For me it is a movement. It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic,' she says. Experts say African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, especially from those willing to tackle corruption and create a healthy environment for investors. Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at U.N-Habitat, says the U.S is losing resources — as well as the popular narrative that America is the land of opportunities and dreams. 'This reverse migration is denting that narrative, so America is most likely to lose including things like brain drain,' he explained. For Mohammad, the sense of belonging has given her peace within. 'I love being here. Returning to Africa is one thing, but finding the place that you feel like you belong is another,' she said. Musambi and Tiro write for the Associated Press.
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
How travel can improve your mental health: poll
The secret to better mental health might be just one flight away, according to a new poll. A survey of 2,000 Americans found that the average American feels 67% better mentally after going on a trip. Not only that, but those who travel more consistently and frequently were far more likely to have better mental health than those who don't. The results emerged in the study by Talker Research to mark the launch of its travel trend report, which unveiled key findings and future indicators into how and why Americans are traveling. The survey sorted respondents by how they self-identified the current state of their mental health, from excellent to very poor, and found an interesting link between mental state and their attitude towards traveling. 4 The secret to better mental health might be just one flight away, according to a new poll. Jenna Hidinger Photo – Respondents with excellent and good mental health were more likely to describe themselves as very passionate about travel. Forty percent of those with excellent mental health described themselves as 'extremely passionate about travel: I love to travel as often as I can, more than a few times per year, and I am always looking into my next trip. I view travel as a lifestyle.' Meanwhile, only 12% of those with poor mental health, and 19% of those with very poor mental health, said the same. 4 A survey of 2,000 Americans found that the average American feels 67% better mentally after going on a trip. Siphosethu F/ – In fact, 32% of those with very poor mental health described themselves as 'not passionate at all about travel: I'm more of a homebody, I view travel as stressful/inconvenient.' Only 15% of those with excellent mental health described themselves the same way Respondents with excellent mental health travel the most for non-work reasons, racking up 3.3 trips annually on average. For comparison, the average respondent with poor mental health doesn't even crack half that, with just 1.5 trips per year on average. 4 Respondents with excellent and good mental health were more likely to describe themselves as very passionate about travel. simona – The results showed that those with excellent mental health have also traveled internationally more, with the average respondent having done so 5.3 times in their lives. And those with fair, poor, and very poor mental health have all traveled internationally less than three times on average (2.8, 2.3, 2.5, respectively). 'Travel can often provide a much-needed reset and perspective shift regarding our stresses and life challenges, in particular those related to family and career,' said Benjy Sherer, an anxiety and trauma coach. 'In our home environment, we often get really lost in the narratives and tiny details of our lives. We run into the same triggers and challenges on a daily basis, and because we're so involved and trapped in the narrative of our own lives, we overestimate the importance of the little things that don't go our way.' 4 The results showed that those with excellent mental health have also traveled internationally more, with the average respondent having done so 5.3 times in their lives. moofushi – Continued Sherer, 'But even a brief sojourn from our home environment can remind us how insignificant many of our stressors are. Simply removing ourselves from the patterns, the environment, and the narratives for a short period can change everything.' Methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X, 500 baby boomers) was conducted between May 5 and May 8, 2025 by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
