I visited Banff, Canada, this past July and it is easily the most impressive place I've ever been.
31.07.2023 - 10:39 / forbes.com
Itching to squeeze in a last-summer getaway before Labor Day but worried about the cost? Good news: There are still plenty of affordable destinations with cheap flights and hotels, according to Priceline, which just released data showing the most significant summer 2023 travel trends until Labor Day.
Does your idea of the perfect summer vacation involve sun, sand and sea? You have options. “For a cost-effective beach vacation, popular destinations like Florida, Mexico and the Dominican Republic all fall on Priceline’s most affordable list for end-of-summer travel, offering stunning shores and water-centric activities to keep you cool,” Christina Bennett, Priceline’s consumer travel trends expert, told me in an interview.
For U.S. destinations ranked by affordable flight options, Orlando is ranked number one. And here’s the thing: The theme park capital is not just about Disney and Universal. There’s also a vibrant food scene, rich culture and plenty of nature to explore.
Another way to save: “For affordable end-of-summer travel, staying in a neighboring area versus downtown can save up to 45% in some cases,” says Bennett.
Case in point: staying in a place like Canton, Michigan, which is at the top of the list of affordable U.S. destinations, based on hotel costs. You can enjoy the accessibility to Detroit’s waterfront festivals, concerts and outdoor markets, as well as Ann Arbor’s delightful shops, restaurants and cafes—all at a budget-friendly price.
Priceline’s list is loaded with other great—and sometimes surprising—gems. For travelers seeking a unique (and budget-friendly) summer experience in the U.S., consider exploring a less-conventional destination like Atlanta or Cleveland. “Price-wise, Cleveland has become increasingly more budget-friendly from 2022 to 2023, making it an opportune time to discover this underrated gem,” says Bennett.
If you prefer the majestic beauty of the mountains, look no further than Denver—an excellent option for a last-minute summer trip. “According to Priceline’s data, flights to Denver are now more affordable for the remainder of summer than last year,” says Bennett. “Spend the day enjoying the many offerings at the Denver Botanic Gardens and head over to the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre at night to enjoy the Denver music scene.”
If you’re yearning to venture beyond the borders of the United States without breaking the bank, Priceline’s data has got you covered with the most affordable international destinations, ranked by both flight and hotel cost.
For a summer vacation filled with exotic charm and affordability, Pattaya, Thailand tops the list for its affordable hotels, offering a combo of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and water-centric activities.
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I visited Banff, Canada, this past July and it is easily the most impressive place I've ever been.
The end of summer is coming fast, so it’s time to start planning your last hurrah for 2023.
If “summer travel” triggers images of beachside idylls and Disney theme-park thrills, you likely drive rather than fly to your summertime vacation spots. Because summer air travel is a very different picture, indeed.
This coming August, all eyes will turn to the beaches and stadiums of Rio de Janeiro, where the 2016 Summer Olympics will be in full swing. The Games are expected to bring athletes and tourists from across the globe to Brazil, and now for Americans, a huge hurdle has been removed. In a move to stimulate the Brazilian economy, the Brazilian government announced that it will waive visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
You probably saw (or experienced) the airport protests and delays this weekend following President Donald Trump’s executive order to ban nationals traveling to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority nations. But what do the American people think of the new travel measure?
Still haven’t booked a vacation, or curious about what other travelers are doing this summer? Synchrony Financial put together some initial data together on summer 2016’s travel forecast that might help.
Wondering which airports are most likely to put you behind schedule during the busy summer travel season? If you’re flying to the Boston, Chicago, New York, or San Francisco areas this summer—or even worse, connecting to another flight there—be especially wary.
Puerto Vallarta isn’t just another resort town: There’s opportunity for adventure, relaxation, romance, and more. Hotels offer a range of experiences, from the intimate verandas of the Romantic Zone’s boutique hotels, to the carefree sundecks of the beachside resorts, to family-friendly resorts.
Summer, also known as high season for travel, is almost here. And according to AAA just about everyone is poised to hit the road. The organization predicts two-thirds of what it categorizes as “leisure travelers” plan to take vacations this summer, meaning millions of Americans will be hitting the road.
As an American traveler, I too often let airlines dictate my life. When am I going on that cross-country trip I’ve been planning? Whatever dates the Big Three (Delta, United, American) or Southwest decides are cheapest. With few other modes of affordable transportation in this vast country, airfare reigns supreme.
Flying somewhere this summer? You won’t be alone. Airlines for America (A4A), the trade group representing the biggest U.S. airlines, predicts some 246 million travelers will take to the skies this summer, which would be a record and represent an increase of 3.7 percent over last year. A4A says airlines added roughly 116,000 seats per day to accommodate the surge in travelers.
Looking for a last-minute Labor Day getaway? This is a good year for it, according to fare search data from Hopper. Average airfares for Labor Day weekend are lower this year than they have been in four years, but probably only if you buy your tickets before August 17.