As wanderers and dreamers, we’re always on the hunt for ways to make travel more accessible, affordable, and adventurous. That’s why we were thrilled to uncover Expedia’s insider tips for scoring the best deals in 2025. Get ready to challenge some long-held assumptions and embrace new strategies to fuel your explorations!
Contrary to popular belief, Tuesdays are no longer the golden ticket for flight deals. According to Expedia’s study, the real magic happens on Sundays—you can save up to 17% on international flights and 6% on domestic by booking on this oft-overlooked day. While the savings for domestic flights may seem modest, every dollar counts when you’re funding your next great adventure.
But the surprises don’t stop there. For domestic travel, your cheapest departure day is Saturday. Between weekend travel and business travel, more deals can be found traveling on Saturday. And for international trips, Thursday emerges as the most cost-effective option.
Conventional wisdom says that summer is one of the most expensive times of the year to travel, but according to the Expedia study, August is the most affordable month for airfare. While the heights of summer may be peak season in many destinations, the waning days of August offer a sweet spot for savings.
On the flip side, March stands out as the priciest month for travel, likely due to the convergence of spring breaks across schools and universities. If your wanderlust strikes during this busy period, consider exploring cooler climates where demand (and prices) may be lower.
For a more serene journey, Expedia recommends flying on Tuesdays—the quietest day for air travel. And if you’re looking to avoid delays or cancellations altogether, aim to book between 9 AM and 3 PM when flights are 22% less likely to be disrupted. September also emerges as the month with the lowest cancellation risk, though the difference is modest at 1.2%.
Here’s where things get really interesting. Expedia’s data suggests the optimum booking window for domestic flights is a sprawling 34 to 86 days in advance. For international travel, that sweet spot narrows to a mere 18 to 29 days prior to departure. While these ranges may seem broad, they underscore an important truth: the era of hard-and-fast rules for scoring deals is fading. Today’s algorithms are constantly adjusting prices based on demand, so flexibility and vigilance are key.
Speaking of demand, Expedia has identified the destinations seeing the biggest surge in interest for 2025. Domestically, Detroit tops the list with a staggering 170% increase in searches, likely fueled by the city’s remarkable renaissance and high-profile events like the 2024 NFL Draft. Internationally, the ancient city of Goa, India, is capturing globetrotters’ imaginations with a 155% spike in interest. From its Portuguese-infused cuisine to its sun-drenched beaches, Goa promises an intoxicating blend of flavors and cultures. Other hot spots include Bucharest, Romania (up 150%), the vibrant border town of Tijuana, Mexico (85% increase), and the food mecca of Chengdu, China (65% more searches).
No matter where your travels take you in 2025, one thing is clear: the rules of the game are changing. Embrace flexibility, keep an open mind, and let these unconventional hacks guide you toward more enriching, affordable adventures. The world is waiting to be explored!
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
