Scoring the best travel deals isn’t just about luck—it’s about timing. Flight and hotel prices fluctuate constantly due to demand, seasonality, and even day of the week. Knowing when to book can make the difference between overpaying and landing a great deal.

Here’s a data-backed guide to help you decide when to book flights and hotels for the biggest savings.

Flights: How far in advance should you book?

According to Google Flights and research from Hopper, the sweet spot for booking airfare varies depending on your destination:

• Domestic flights: 1 to 3 months in advance
  
• International flights: 3 to 6 months in advance
  
• Peak season (holidays or summer): Add another 1–2 months
  
• Off-peak or shoulder season: Greater flexibility, but still book at least 21–30 days out
  

Prices typically drop and stay low between 21 to 60 days before departure for domestic routes. Booking too early—say 6+ months ahead—can sometimes lead to higher fares, as airlines haven’t released all discount seats yet.

Best days to book flights

• Tuesday and Wednesday tend to show the lowest fares, especially for midweek departures.
  
• Sunday is the best day to book flights, according to Expedia’s Annual Travel Trends Report.
  
• Avoid booking on Fridays, when business travel demand tends to push prices higher.
  

Hotels: Timing depends on the destination

Unlike flights, hotel prices are more destination-dependent. Here’s a general guideline:

• Urban destinations: Book 2–3 weeks in advance. Prices tend to drop closer to check-in as hotels release unsold rooms.
  
• Resort areas or peak season stays: Book 1–3 months out to secure availability and lower rates.
  
• Holiday travel: Book at least 3–4 months early for best selection and pricing.
  

Websites like Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Tripadvisor are helpful for tracking price trends and setting alerts.

Tools to track travel prices

Don’t try to guess the lowest fare—use tools designed to track and predict it:

• Google Flights: Track price changes and set email alerts
  
• Hopper: Predicts future price drops and sends notifications
  
• Skyscanner: Great for tracking flexible date ranges
  

Stack rewards when the price is right

Once you’ve locked in a good rate, you can still boost savings by using rewards platforms. For example, you can earn cashback with a Hotels.com gift card or get rewards with a Delta Airlines gift card through Fluz. These gift cards can be used during checkout without interfering with loyalty points or elite status earnings.

Fluz also lets you buy gift cards in exact denominations, so you won’t leave money behind or overspend.

Last-minute vs. early booking: Which is better?

• Last-minute travel: Sometimes cheaper for hotels, especially in major cities with lots of inventory
  
• Advance booking: Always safer for flights, especially if you need specific dates or seating
  

For popular destinations or family travel, early booking is usually the better move to secure options and lock in pricing.

Final thoughts

The right time to book isn’t just about scoring a low price—it’s about balancing flexibility, availability, and value. Use tools to monitor fare drops, book strategically based on your destination type, and stack cashback from platforms like Fluz to maximize rewards. With a little planning, your next vacation can cost far less than expected—without cutting corners on quality.