According to travel search engine Kayak, September is the best month for UK travellers to find savings, with flight prices dropping by up to 23% compared to peak summer months. The data, released by Kayak, highlights that booking a trip in September can lead to significant reductions in both flights and hotels.
Flight Price Reductions
Kayak's analysis reveals that the average cost of flights in September is 23% lower than in August, the peak summer travel month. For example, a return flight from London to Malaga costs around £80 in September, compared to £120 in August, representing a saving of £40 per person. Similarly, flights to other popular destinations such as Alicante, Faro, and Naples show average savings of 20%, 18%, and 15% respectively.
Hotel Savings Across Europe
Hotels also see a drop in prices in September. Kayak found that the average nightly rate for a double room in European cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, and Rome is 15% cheaper in September than in August. In Lisbon, for instance, the average price per night is £95 in September, down from £112 in August. This trend extends to UK destinations as well, with cities like Edinburgh and Manchester offering reduced rates.
Why September Is Cheaper
According to Kayak, the drop in prices is driven by the end of the school holidays and a decrease in demand. As families return to work and school, airlines and hotels lower prices to attract travellers. Kayak's data also shows that booking mid-week, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can yield even greater savings, with an additional 10% off average fares.
Kayak recommends booking at least two weeks in advance to secure the best deals. The travel search engine also notes that flexibility with dates can help travellers find the lowest prices, with savings of up to 30% possible for those willing to travel on less popular days.
These findings are based on Kayak's analysis of search and booking data from the past year. Travellers planning a September getaway can expect to see lower prices across a range of destinations, both domestic and international.
