It can be said that airfare is the most expensive cost in every trip. With the desire to contribute to helping you have a more cost-effective journey, below are the tips from Skyscanner on the ideal time to book airline tickets for travel in 2016.
Ideal Time to Book Airline Tickets for Travel in 2016
According to the aggregated data from the travel advisory website Skyscanner, September is the month with the cheapest airfares and is the ideal time if you want to embark on budget-friendly trips, while December is the most expensive month for airfares.
1. Hong Kong: Book Airline Tickets 20 Weeks in Advance, Save 12.3%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: January
As one of the bustling destinations in the world, Hong Kong can meet every traveler's needs, from delicious food, affordable fashion to vibrant entertainment venues.
Can't-Miss Event:
October 31, Halloween: Often described as a blend of indigenous culture and the openness of Western culture, Halloween in Hong Kong is extremely lively and unique. If you happen to be in Hong Kong during Halloween, you'll have the chance to try out unique and spooky games at Ocean Park or join vibrant street parties at Lan Kwai Fong. To experience Halloween in Hong Kong, it's recommended to start booking flights around mid-June.
December: During Christmas time, Hong Kong is filled with a lively and bustling atmosphere that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Especially during this time, shopping centers often offer a series of big sale programs for tourists. It's advisable to book flights from early August to get the best prices.
2. Indonesia: Book Flights 18 Weeks in Advance, Save 10.4%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: January
Known as the 'land of a thousand islands,' Indonesia attracts tourists with its beautiful natural landscapes and distinctive culture. When mentioning Indonesia, one cannot overlook Bali, known as the 'tourism paradise' in the world with its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Can't-Miss Event:
September 29, Ultra Beach Bali: With the desire to turn Bali into the 'party paradise in Asia,' Ultra Beach Bali is a grand event with lively beach music parties featuring many famous DJs. The ideal time to book tickets for this event is before May.
November, Kuta Karnival: As one of the exciting events held at Kuta Beach, Kuta Karnival is a great place for tourists to experience local arts and culture and enjoy colorful parades along with many entertaining activities. Don't forget to book your flight to Indonesia in June to attend this event.
3. Thailand: Book Flights 14 Weeks in Advance, Save 9.2%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: September
Thailand offers many attractions to tourists, whether you're visiting for the first time or have been here multiple times. With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant life in Bangkok, and beautiful islands like Krabi and Koh Samui, Thailand will delight every traveler.
Can't-Miss Event:
June 24-26, Phi Ta Khon Festival: Phi Ta Khon is a traditional festival of the people of the Land of the Golden Temples, often held in Dan Sai, Loei Province, Northeastern Thailand. The most unique activity during the Phi Ta Khon festival is the parade of young people wearing colorful costumes that stretch through the streets. To attend this festival, you should start booking flights to Thailand around mid-March.
November 15, Loi Krathong: One of the most beautiful, colorful, and ancient festivals of Thailand, Loi Krathong is usually celebrated throughout the country. On this day, local people will float lotus-shaped boats adorned with fresh flowers, candles, and incense on the river to show reverence to the Buddha. In addition to the floating lantern activity, there are many accompanying activities such as fireworks, parades with gongs, boat races, flower float contests... and the best time to book flights if you want to attend this festival is in August.
4. Philippines: Book Flights 4 Weeks in Advance, Save 5.4%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: September
The Philippines is an ideal choice for travelers with its year-round tropical climate. When in the Philippines, you must visit Cebu Island, relax on the beautiful beaches of Boracay, or indulge in shopping in the capital Manila.
Can't-Miss Event:
May 1, Laboracay: Known as the tourist paradise in the Philippines, Boracay always attracts visitors with its mesmerizing beaches. Especially during the Laboracay festival, tourists can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of lively beach parties or enjoy unique and captivating fire dance shows. You should book your ticket by early April to get the best price.
December 19, Lantern Festival: Every Christmas season, people in San Fernando City, Pampanga Province, the Philippines, are busy making lanterns to participate in the annual Giant Lantern Festival held locally. If you want to get a good airfare to join this festival, you should start booking tickets around November 20.
5. South Korea: Book Flights 19 Weeks in Advance, Save 9.3%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: May
South Korea isn't just famous for K-pop; it also attracts tourists with its rich historical landmarks and long-standing culture. You can start your vacation in Seoul, then move on to Busan, and the final destination not to be missed in South Korea is Jeju Island – known as the “paradise of travel” in the land of kimchi.
Can't-Miss Event:
July, Boryeong Mud Festival: This festival takes place at Daecheon Beach, Sinheuk-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do. It's one of the largest mud festivals in the world, attracting millions of tourists. Especially within the festival grounds, there are music performances, competitions, and various other games. If you want to attend this festival, you can book tickets in early March.
May 6-8, Lotus Lantern Festival: This annual festival takes place around mid-May in Jongno district, Seoul, South Korea, to celebrate Buddha's birthday. During the festival, you'll admire hundreds of lanterns with diverse shapes and vibrant colors illuminating the capital Seoul.
6. Malaysia: Book Flights 1 Week in Advance, Save 7.5%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: October
Malaysia is not just about modern buildings and bustling streets; it also exudes an ancient, tranquil charm with its diverse and captivating culture. Must-visit destinations in Malaysia include Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Penang.
Can't-Miss Event:
August 5-7, Rainforest Music Festival: The Rainforest World Music Festival takes place in the first week of August every year in Sarawak, Malaysia. It's one of the most beautiful music festivals with the opportunity for attendees to dance in the tropical rainforest while listening to music. The ideal time to book flights to attend the Rainforest Music Festival is around late July.
September 30 - October 2, F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix: The F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix gathers famous racing teams worldwide to compete for the Formula One championship. Attending this festival, spectators will witness thrilling races, intense atmosphere, and stunning images of the real racers. The best time to book tickets is during the third week of September.
7. United Kingdom: Book Flights 19 Weeks in Advance, Save 11%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: March
From the iconic Big Ben in London to Liverpool, the hometown of The Beatles, the castles in Ireland, or the medieval towns in Edinburgh, the United Kingdom will take you back in time to relive your childhood dreams.
Can't-Miss Event:
June 22-26, Glastonbury Festival: Glastonbury is often referred to as a major summer music festival in the UK. It's the world's largest outdoor music festival featuring contemporary acts like dance, comedy, circus performances, and more. Plan to book your flights in the second week of February to get the best ticket prices.
August 5-29, Fringe Festival: Every August, the city of Edinburgh comes alive with the colors and sounds of the Fringe Festival. Known for its satire, irony, and eccentricity through impromptu performances on Edinburgh's streets. Attending this festival, you can easily encounter unique and bizarre street performances anywhere you go. Book your tickets by the end of March to save money.
8. Australia: Book Flights 17 Weeks in Advance, Save 15.4%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: May
Australia needs no introduction, offering plenty of exciting experiences such as climbing the Harbour Bridge and admiring the Opera House in Sydney, learning to surf at Bondi Beach, or immersing yourself in vibrant music and art performances in Melbourne. If you fancy strolling through beautiful parks, you can visit Perth or Fremantle, and if you're a wine lover, Margaret River's vineyards near the river are a must-visit destination.
Can't-Miss Event:
July 24-26, Splendour in the Grass: Splendour in the Grass is an annual music festival that has been held since 2001, attracting a large number of attendees every year. While the lineup may vary each year, the iconic muddy adventures remain a highlight. The ideal time to book tickets for this festival is the end of March.
November 18-20, Margaret River Gourmet: This food festival is usually held in November in Margaret River, Western Australia. The event takes place in warm weather surrounded by picturesque rivers. Here, you'll witness many talented chefs from around the world showcasing their skills.
9. Taiwan: Book Flights 20 Weeks in Advance, Save 12.2%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: July
With its rich natural landscapes and diverse culture influenced by China, the West, and Japan, Taiwan is an ideal destination for travelers passionate about exploring nature and learning about culture.
Can't-Miss Event:
July 8-10, Ho-Hai-Yan Gongliao Rock Festival: One of the renowned events in Taipei, Ho-Hai-Yan Gongliao Rock Festival is the gathering point for indie music fans. To attend this event, you should book flight tickets around mid-February.
June 6-8, Hot Air Balloon Festival: Although relatively newly organized, the International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Taiwan has attracted a large number of tourists and locals to admire balloons of various colors and shapes. Additionally, the festival features many exciting activities such as cultural exchanges and music performances. You can start booking flight tickets in January to attend this event.
10. Vietnam: Book Flights 19 Weeks in Advance, Save 12.3%
Month with the Cheapest Airfares: October
According to Skyscanner, Vietnam is an attractive destination for many international travelers due to its cuisine, ancient culture, and friendly people. Whether you choose Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, what impresses you will be the captivating landscapes. With terraced rice fields stretching endlessly, rugged mountain ranges waiting for you to conquer, the emerald waters of Halong Bay, or the white sandy beaches in Phu Quoc, why hesitate to embark on a trip to Vietnam right away?
Can't-Miss Event:
October 14: On the 14th day of the lunar calendar, the ancient town of Hoi An shines brightly with the lantern festival on the Hoai River. When all the electric lights go out, the whole neighborhood becomes enchanting when illuminated by the dazzling light of lanterns. To fully admire the ancient town on this day, tourists can rent a boat to cruise on the Hoai River to admire the enchanting and poetic scenery in Hoi An. According to Skyscanner, travelers should start buying flight tickets from late May.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Initially, the Mid-Autumn Festival was a holiday for adults to enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature, eat mooncakes, and drink tea while admiring the full moon in the middle of autumn. Gradually, the Mid-Autumn Festival has become a children's holiday. If travelers visit Vietnam during the Mid-Autumn Festival, they will see many stalls selling mooncakes lined up together along with many activities such as lion dances, and dragon dances to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The ideal time for you to book flight tickets if you want to experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is early May.
By Ha Mi (Source Skyscanner)
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourFebruary 1, 2016