It’s almost cherry blossom season.

Which is why we have trips to Asia on our mind. And good news is, we dug into our data to discover the cheapest possible destination for you to visit if you’re headed East. Find out how you can hack your trips so you’re hitting a sweet spot in the travel calendar: ie going when prices and crowds are low but the weather is still 👌.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Think they call it Jetbleu?
  JetBlue just announced that it’s launching direct flights to Paris starting in June (but you can book now). The first routes will be out of JFK, with Boston following later in the year
• A Paris icon is back.
  After a devastating fire shut it down indefinitely, Notre Dame cathedral in Paris has announced it will begin receiving visitors late next year
• Let’s hear it for the droids. 🤖
  Salt Lake City is the first airport to accept mobile IDs on both Apple and Android devices as identification at TSA security. Previous launches were limited to iOS devices. 
• Another complication post-Brexit.
  Travelers who currently do not require a visa to visit the UK will need to start applying for pre-approval to enter the country, starting in 2025.
• To tip or not to tip.
  As a general rule, tipping to show appreciation is great. But if you struggle to know when it’s appropriate or expected when you travel – Emily Post shares the rules.

Trending travel

This is the cheapest Asian destination from your state.

ICYMI, travel to Asia is a big deal rn with searches up 485% in the past 3 months vs. the same time last year*. But travel to Asia is definitely not cheap, so we did some mad scientist-level maths to figure out when to go. We broke down the cheapest destinations, and when to visit them, state by state** – but here are some of the cities that popped.

• Tokyo, Japan.
  Did someone say cherry blossom season? Tokyo took the top spot for 17 of the 59 US airports we researched, with flights starting at $813**.
  Find flights
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  Vietnam’s largest city is the overall cheapest destination in Asia to fly to during the in-betweasons, with flights starting at $717**.
  Find flights
• New Delhi, India
  For several US airports, India’s capital city is the best deal if you’re traveling between peak and off-season**.
  Find flights
• Bangkok, Thailand
  Bangkok pairs cheap eats with “cheap” flights for several Midwestern cities like Chicago, Omaha and Minneapolis**.
  Find flights

Find your state and see where to go.

Community Voices

Who runs the world?

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the strong, independent women going out and exploring the world on their own. You might’ve noticed that recently, solo female travel has become a big deal. According to Wanderful, 73% of women feel that travel makes them stronger. 

So we asked one of their creators, Christine Lozada, to tell us her top tips for traveling solo as a woman.

Social Shoutout

We respect the hustle. @idkitssammy is using KAYAK Explore to plan her “50 dates in 50 states.”

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

<Methodology>

*KAYAK US considered flight searches between 12/9/2022 and 3/8/2023 for all future travel dates. For YoY % comparison, KAYAK compared the same search dates for the year prior.

**KAYAK considered flight searches between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for travel dates in the months of February, March, April, May, October and November 2023 (previously defined shoulder season in Asia) from every US international airport code to Asian cities to determine the cheapest city to travel to during a specified shoulder season month. Airport codes without enough search data were excluded. Cities that did not meet a certain minimum click threshold were excluded. Prices are on average and are for example purposes only.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: March 16, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Can I get a refund?

Tax day is about a month away, which could mean more money in your account to explore the world, courtesy of your refund(s). If you already know your refund amount, we’ll show you where to go for the same price of your return (or less). Catch up on this week’s travel news, learn how to travel to Europe on the cheap and see more on our tax refund tool below.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Keep it in the family. 
  The Transportation Department is creating a tool for travelers with young kids to help find airlines offering seats together without fees.
• Time to get in line.
  Higher demand for international travel means higher than usual processing times for passports – right now it takes 8 – 11 weeks.
• Rescheduled again?
  If your scheduled flight time keeps changing, you could be eligible for a refund – it depends on the airline and when the time was changed.
  
• Paid a visit.
  After reopening its borders back in October, Taiwan is now toying with the idea of paying travelers ~$164 to visit in efforts to boost tourism.
• Take a hike.
  A report found that hiking and backpacking trips are becoming popular among US travelers and that North America is a prime place for this trend.

Trending travel

How to not miss out on the Euro trip this year.
ICYMI, flights to European destinations are 29% higher* compared to last year and they’re even more expensive during peak season – aka May through September. But we have the info to hack these rising prices in our In-betweasons Guide. Our data shows that you could save up to 27% on trips to Europe during the in-betweason** (aka the time between peak and off-season travel). With this in mind, here are a few destinations you could visit for less***:

• Reykjavik, Iceland.
  The cheapest destination on our list, Reykjavik has flights starting at $416. It’s a great option under $450 for travelers in Boston, Maryland and Washington, DC.***
  Go to Iceland
• London, England
  This UK hot spot happened to be the most popular European destination on our list, with deals from 20 airports in the US – making in-betweason an ideal time to visit.***
  Explore London
• Madrid, Spain
  For 8 states in the south and midwest, Madrid is the place to go. The majority of deals fall during the month of April, with flights starting at $527.***Discover Madrid
• Copenhagen, Denmark
  From east to west, Copenhagen is the destination to see next for 7 states during in-betweason. Head over during the spring with flight deals starting at $504.***
  Head to Copenhagen

Wonder what the best European deal is for your state? See the full guide on our blog.

Tricks of the trade

Take a taxation vacation with your returns.

Tax day is about a month away and you could get your refund before you know it. A survey from 2022 actually found that 1 in 6 people that expected a tax refund planned to spend it on travel. Want to find out where your refund could take you? Try our calculator. Drop in your expected tax refund and we’ll show flights for the same amount or less.

Social Shoutout

Did you really take a trip to San Francisco if you didn’t get a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge? Thanks for the love, @cesar.milo. Tag #KAYAKPicks on your next travel Insta for a chance to be featured.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

<Methodology>

*For Asia, Europe, Central America, Caribbean, Middle East, South Pacific and North America, KAYAK considered flight searches from the US to each region between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for all 2023 travel dates. To determine whether shoulder season searches have increased compared to last year, KAYAK considered search dates 8/1/2021 – 1/31/2022 for all 2022 travel dates and then considered the average YoY increase in searches per region by month. The average 2022-2023 annual YoY percentage increase in searches was considered to determine the 2023 shoulder season months with a higher than average percentage increase in searches.

**For Asia, Europe, Central America, Caribbean, Middle East, South Pacific and North America, KAYAK considered flight searches from the US to each region between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for all 2023 travel dates. To determine savings, KAYAK compared the average median airfare of the defined peak season months in a region to the average median airfare of the defined shoulder season months in that same region. Savings are based on general regional data and are meant to be representative of savings opportunities, which are not guaranteed.

***KAYAK considered flight searches between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for travel dates in the months of March, April, October and November 2023 (previously defined shoulder season in Europe) from every US international airport code to European cities to determine the cheapest city to travel to during a specified shoulder season month. Airport codes without enough search data were excluded. Cities that did not meet a certain minimum click threshold were excluded. Prices are on average and are for example purposes only.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: March 9, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

In-betweason travel > summer trips.

We just launched The In-betweasons Guide, aka your ticket to potentially saving up to 27% on travel during pre and post-summer months. Here’s your money-saving guide and this week’s headlines.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Looking (and booking) ahead.
  According to insights from Booking Holdings (ie. our parent company), travelers are reverting back to booking trips in advance.
• Revamped in a big way.
  The US gov announced that the FAA will be awarded nearly 1 billion dollars in efforts to improve infrastructure and meet travel demand.
• New routes are all the rage.
  To keep up with traveler demand, several airlines – like United, Air Canada and Frontier – are adding new routes to expand service.
  
• Don’t sleep on this trend.
  Or… do? Since 63% of US travelers struggle to get enough sleep while away, several hotels are creating experiences to change that.
• Well this is new.
  According to the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, there are actually 7,000 extra islands that are now considered part of the country.

Trending travel

Swap that summer trip for this sweet-spot season.
It’s not even spring, but we’re already sweating looking at summer airfare. With inflation and continued demand for international travel, prices are getting steep. If your international trip for summer is pushing your budget, go during in-betweason instead. In-betweason (also known as “shoulder season”) is in the middle of peak and off-season and is truly a sweet spot for trendy summer destinations. Here’s what to know about in-betweason travel:

• Pre/post-summer is where it’s at.
  In-betweason varies per region, but usually it occurs during spring and fall months. Our data shows that most in-betweason deals for Europe and Asia are in April, October and November.*
  See for yourself
• Slower season travel has its perks.
  We love a good discount, and our numbers show that you could save up to 27% on European destinations during in-betweason… and that’s not all. Check out the other perks on our blog.**
  Get the deets
• Europe deals starting at $416
  From Reykjavik to London, we found in-betweason deals for destinations across Europe. Browse through major US airports and find where to go in the fall or spring to save on your next Euro trip.***
  Find your state
• Bucket list trips within reach.
  Depending on where you live, that Thailand or Japan dream vacay could be closer (and cheaper) than you think. With flights starting at $686, we’ve got deals for destinations around Asia.****
  Discover deals

Ready to swap your summer trip for in-betweason? Check out our full guide to get started.

Tricks of the trade

We hope this isn’t too forward. 

The more direct, the better – which is why we love our direct flight-finder. Apparently, AFAR magazine appreciates it, too. KAYAK Direct finds non-stop flight destinations based on your airport, making it simple to weed out the layover routes. It can also show you which airlines service your destination and the cheapest dates to go.

See what we’re geeking out about and give this tool a try.

What we’re watching

We can afford a personal chef, right?
Watch

Affordable flights, no squatter needed.
Watch

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

<Methodology>

*To define shoulder season (a period between peak and low season) by region, KAYAK US considered all search dates for travel dates Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 in for 2019, 2021 and 2022 for travel from the US to each region. Peak season was defined as months with above average search counts (excluding December as an outlier due to holiday travel). Shoulder season was defined as the immediate month(s) preceding and/or following peak seasons where a trend was found for 2 of the 3 years of data considered. Months in each region that are typically met with inclement weather factors like monsoon or hurricane season were excluded.

**For Asia, Europe, Central America, Caribbean, Middle East, South Pacific and North America, KAYAK considered flight searches from the US to each region between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for all 2023 travel dates. To determine savings, KAYAK compared the average median airfare of the defined peak season months in a region to the average median airfare of the defined shoulder season months in that same region. Savings are based on general regional data and are meant to be representative of savings opportunities, which are not guaranteed. For Africa and South America, KAYAK considered flight searches from the US to the combined top destinations from 2019 and 2022. Search dates considered were 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for all 2023 travel dates. To determine savings, KAYAK used its 2019/2022 most searched destinations and applied the northern and southern peak and shoulder season information respectively. KAYAK then compared the average median airfare of the defined peak season months to the average median airfare of the defined shoulder season months in that same region. With varying levels of savings, KAYAK was able to present a range of savings opportunities for shoulder season. Savings are based on general regional data and are meant to be representative of savings opportunities, which are not guaranteed.

***KAYAK considered flight searches between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for travel dates in the months of March, April, October and November 2023 (previously defined shoulder season in Europe) from every US international airport code to European cities to determine the cheapest city to travel to during a specified shoulder season month. Airport codes without enough search data were excluded. Cities that did not meet a certain minimum click threshold were excluded. Prices are on average and are for example purposes only. 

****KAYAK considered flight searches between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for travel dates in the months of February, March, April, May, October and November 2023 (previously defined shoulder season in Asia) from every US international airport code to Asian cities to determine the cheapest city to travel to during a specified shoulder season month. Airport codes without enough search data were excluded. Cities that did not meet a certain minimum click threshold were excluded. Prices are on average and are for example purposes only. 

The post The Weekly Newsletter: March 2, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Flights to Europe this summer are *how* much?! Go ahead, rub your eyes – but you’re not seeing things. Our data shows that fares to popular European destinations are up 29% compared to last year. Summer is also the peak travel season for Europe, so costs rise even more from June to August with average airfare running upwards of $1,000. Talk about summertime sadness.

An alternative for summer travel is to go during the off-season. When temps drop, so do prices, making winter trips more affordable. But that means having to bundle up for sightseeing, which is… not ideal. Not a fan of either option? Well, Goldilocks, there’s a middle ground between these two seasons that’s juuuuust right. From where to go and when, here’s how to hack in-betweason travel to help you plan and save on upcoming trips.

Meet me in the middle

What are “in-betweasons”? Sounds made up.

Okay fine, it’s also known as “shoulder season” – whatever you choose to call it, this time refers to the sweet spot between peak and off-season travel. For many destinations, in-betweason occurs during the spring and fall months, when temps are mild and crowds have chilled out.

K, then what are the perks of traveling during in-betweasons?

The biggest perk is saving money. Accommodations tend to cost less during in-betweason months due to less demand driving up prices. For example, you can save up to 27%* on flights to Europe during in-betweason months instead of peak travel times. In-betweason is typically accompanied by fewer crowds, too. It may not be as empty as the off-season, but you can expect less foot traffic while exploring. You’ll still want to make reservations ahead of time for dining and popular excursions, but you’ll have more space at top attractions (and fewer stragglers in your photos).

Another perk of taking an in-betweason trip is good weather. Fall and spring are typically warm enough to enjoy most summer activities, but cool enough that you won’t sweat through your clothes by midmorning. Just be sure to double-check for inclement weather seasons at your destination before you book – you wouldn’t want to visit when in-betweason overlaps with potential bad weather (ie hurricane or monsoon season).

What months are considered part of in-betweasons?

Generally, in-betweasons occur during the fall and/or spring – but the specific months differ per region. According to our data, here’s when to visit your destination to nail that sweet combo of good weather and decent savings*:

Europe: Go during the spring or fall. Just remember, the closer you get to the summer months, the better the weather (and the higher the cost).

• Peak season: May to September
• In-betweason: March to April and October to November

South America: When you should go really depends on whether your destination is located to the north or south. For example, the seasonal weather for Argentina varies from that of Colombia – so in-betweason timing will differ, too.

• Northern peak season: May to August and November
• Northern in-betweason: January to April and September
• Southern peak season: March, June to August and November
• Southern in-betweason: April to May and September to October

Central America: Go during early winter or late spring – this region is one of the exceptions to the “go during the spring and fall” rule. It’s also worth noting that there’s a shortened in-betweason window for these places, so the earlier you secure your trip, the better.

• Peak season: March to April and June to July
• In-betweason: January and May

Caribbean: Go during early winter – yet another exception to the spring and fall rule. Because in-betweason for Caribbean destinations is in the winter, planning a trip to one of these spots makes for a fabulous post-holiday escape.

• Peak season: February to July
• In-betweason: January

Middle East: Go during late summer or early fall. Plan your trip to these destinations right around Labor Day as summer wraps up, just before school starts.

• Peak season: June to July and November
• In-betweason: August to September

South Pacific: Go during late spring (which is their fall). Thaw out from the winter or plan an extra-special spring break at these sought-after locations in the South Pacific – summer will be here in time for your return.

• Peak season: June to July
• In-betweason: April to May

Asia: Go during midwinter, spring or mid-fall. Destinations in this region have a larger window for in-betweason travel, which means you’ll have more flexibility to take advantage of these seasonal prices.

• Peak season: May to July and November
• In-betweason: February to April and October

North America: Go during early winter or early fall. More specifically, visit those southern destinations at the start of winter and save northern destinations for autumn.

• Peak season: March to July and November
• In-betweason: January to February and September to October

Africa: Similar to South America, sussing out when to visit African destinations depends on whether you’re headed more north or south.

• • Northern peak season: May to July
  • Northern in-betweason: April and August to November
  • Southern peak season: May to August
  • Southern in-betweason: January to March and September to November

Trips during the middle months = cheaper travels.

Now that you know what in-betweasons actually are, here’s a quick look at just how much you could save on travel to each region*:

• Europe: Save up to 27% on in-betweason flights compared to peak travel season ($747 vs $1,020 median prices).
• South America: Save up to 19% on in-betweason flights to northern destinations ($482 – 578 vs $546 – 638 median prices) and up to 24% on flights to southern destinations ($591 – 1132 vs $591 – 1,110 median prices).
• Central America: Save up to 12% on in-betweason flights compared to peak travel season ($540 vs $604 median prices).
• Caribbean: Save up to 24% on in-betweason flights compared to peak travel season ($465 vs $610 median prices).
• Middle East: Save up to 9% on in-betweason flights compared to peak travel season ($1,054 vs $1,164 median prices).
• South Pacific: Save up to 8% on in-betweason flights compared to peak travel season ($1,510 vs $1,648 median prices).
• Asia: Save up to 12% on in-betweason flights compared to peak travel season ($1,130 vs $1,287 median prices).
• North America: Save up to 14% on in-betweason flights compared to peak travel season ($378 vs $437 median prices).
• Africa: Save up to 20% on in-betweason flights to northern destinations ($801 – 1,010 vs $546 – 638 median prices) and up to 25% on flights to southern destinations ($1,068 – 1,339 vs $1,282 – 1,604 median prices).

The cheapest in-betweason destinations by state

Let’s get personal. Looking at our recent search queries, it’s clear that US travelers are eager to experience places in Europe and Asia. To give the people what they want, we dug through our numbers to find the cheapest in-betweason destinations by state. Here’s the lowdown on finding those deals based on your closest airport.

Destinations in Europe

Our takeaways for in-betweason travel in Europe:

• • April deals are no joke. Looking at in-betweason prices, April has the most options for visiting European destinations. There are affordable options in October and November too, but you’re more likely to find a deal in April with flights starting at $416.
  • Iced out. The European destination with the cheapest flights is Reykjavik, Iceland. Flights to Reykjavik start at $416. For airports across the northeast – like in Boston, Maryland and Washington DC – you can find flights to Iceland for under $450, making this a great option for New England and DMV travelers.
  • London is the place to be. For 20 out of the 60 airports we considered, London took the top spot for having the most in-betweason deals in Europe, with flights starting at $727. The second and third most-popular destinations are Reykjavik with deals across 9 states and Madrid with deals across 8 states.

Cheapest in-betweason destinations in Europe for all 50 states*

Disclaimer: For states without an international airport, we’re using the closest major airport. 

Destinations in Asia

Our takeaways for in-betweason travel in Asia:

• • • • Spring is the new summer. Once again, April wins for the month with the most in-betweason deals. With options to destinations in Asia for 41 of the 59 airports considered, April flights start at $686.
      • Hop the flight to Ho Chi Minh. The destination in Asia with the cheapest flights is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with flights starting at $717. Travelers flying out of Philadelphia, Houston and Seattle can score a trip to the other side of the world for under $1,000.
      • Take me to Tokyo. For 17 out of the 59 airports we considered, Tokyo took the top spot for having the most in-betweason deals in Asia, with flights starting at $813. The second and third most-popular destinations are Bangkok with deals across 11 states and New Delhi with deals across 8 states and Washington DC.

Cheapest in-betweason destinations in Asia for all 50 states*

Disclaimer: For states without an international airport, we’re using the closest major airport. 

Alright, we’ve given you all the information you need to take advantage of slower-season prices. You’ve got the deets on when to go and how much you can expect to pay… now what? Turn on the Price Alerts, that’s what. That way, we’ll notify you if/when the prices change so you can book when there’s a good deal.

Or, if you’d prefer to browse for even more affordable flights (in-betweason or not), hit up our Explore tool to find destinations based on your desired dates, budget, or interests. If you’re still dead set on traveling this summer… we don’t blame you. Sometimes summer vacations just hit different, so we wish you all the best on saving during peak season.

Methodology

Defining shoulder season by region:
Global regions were initially broken out by the following groups based on the size of that region.

Europe, Central America, Caribbean, Middle East, South Pacific and North America
To define shoulder season (a period between peak and low season) by region, KAYAK US considered all search dates for travel dates Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 in for 2019, 2021 and 2022 for travel from the US to each region. Peak season was defined as months with above average search counts (excluding December as an outlier due to holiday travel). Shoulder season was defined as the immediate month(s) preceding and/or following peak seasons where a trend was found for 2 of the 3 years of data considered. Months in each region that are typically met with inclement weather factors like monsoon or hurricane season were excluded.

Asia, South America and Africa
To define shoulder season in these regions, KAYAK first determined whether different parts of each region experienced different weather patterns depending on time of year. Upon finding this to be true, KAYAK found the top 20 most searched destinations for 2019 and 2022 travel for all travel dates. Only destinations that overlapped in both years were considered true most searched destinations. KAYAK then considered all search dates for travel dates Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 in for 2019, 2021 and 2022 for travel from the US to each of the top destinations in each region. Peak season was defined as months with above average search counts (excluding December as an outlier due to holiday travel). Shoulder season was defined as the immediate month(s) preceding and/or following peak seasons where a trend was found for 2 of the 3 years of data considered. Months in each destination that are typically met with inclement weather factors like monsoon or hurricane season were excluded. Upon outlining peak, shoulder and inclement weather seasons, KAYAK found that although Asia has different weather patterns, it largely sees the same pattern of shoulder season across the region. For Africa and South America, KAYAK found that weather patterns generally differed between the northern and southern parts of each region. Upon outlining peak, shoulder and inclement weather seasons by top destination in Africa, KAYAK was able to determine that Northern Africa weather patterns and therefore shoulder season consist of all countries north of, but not including, Senegal, Nigeria and Ethiopia, and countries including those listed made up Southern Africa weather patterns and shoulder season. Upon outlining peak, shoulder and inclement weather seasons by top destination in South America, KAYAK was able to determine that Northern South America weather patterns and therefore shoulder season consist of all countries north of, but not including, Ecuador and Brazil, and countries including those listed made up Southern South America weather patterns and shoulder season. Shoulder season definitions are based on KAYAK search data and are meant only as a guide. Refer to local resources to determine whether it is a good time to visit a city/country before booking.

Are travelers searching at above average rates for shoulder season in 2023?
For Asia, Europe, Central America, Caribbean, Middle East, South Pacific and North America, KAYAK considered flight searches from the US to each region between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for all 2023 travel dates. To determine whether shoulder season searches have increased compared to last year, KAYAK considered search dates 8/1/2021 – 1/31/2022 for all 2022 travel dates and then considered the average YoY increase in searches per region by month. The average 2022-2023 annual YoY percentage increase in searches was considered to determine the 2023 shoulder season months with a higher than average percentage increase in searches.

For Africa and South America, KAYAK considered flight searches from the US to the combined top destinations from 2019 and 2022. Search dates considered were 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for all 2023 travel dates. To determine whether shoulder season searches have increased compared to last year, KAYAK considered search dates 8/1/2021 – 1/31/2022 for all 2022 travel dates and then considered the average YoY increase in searches per region by month. The average 2022-2023 annual YoY percentage increase in searches was considered to determine the 2023 shoulder season months with a higher than average percentage increase in searches. To generally state whether KAYAK saw an increase in searches, 4 or more destinations had to have seen an increase in searches during shoulder season.

How much can you save on flights in 2023 by traveling during shoulder season?
For Asia, Europe, Central America, Caribbean, Middle East, South Pacific and North America, KAYAK considered flight searches from the US to each region between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for all 2023 travel dates. To determine savings, KAYAK compared the average median airfare of the defined peak season months in a region to the average median airfare of the defined shoulder season months in that same region. Savings are based on general regional data and are meant to be representative of savings opportunities, which are not guaranteed.

For Africa and South America, KAYAK considered flight searches from the US to the combined top destinations from 2019 and 2022. Search dates considered were 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for all 2023 travel dates. To determine savings, KAYAK used its 2019/2022 most searched destinations and applied the northern and southern peak and shoulder season information respectively. KAYAK then compared the average median airfare of the defined peak season months to the average median airfare of the defined shoulder season months in that same region. With varying levels of savings, KAYAK was able to present a range of savings opportunities for shoulder season. Savings are based on general regional data and are meant to be representative of savings opportunities, which are not guaranteed.

State-by-State Shoulder Season Data

Europe
KAYAK considered flight searches between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for travel dates in the months of March, April, October and November 2023 (previously defined shoulder season in Europe) from every US international airport code to European cities to determine the cheapest city to travel to during a specified shoulder season month. Airport codes without enough search data were excluded. Cities that did not meet a certain minimum click threshold were excluded. Prices are on average and are for example purposes only.

Asia
KAYAK considered flight searches between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for travel dates in the months of February, March, April, May, October and November 2023 (previously defined shoulder season in Asia) from every US international airport code to Asian cities to determine the cheapest city to travel to during a specified shoulder season month. Airport codes without enough search data were excluded. Cities that did not meet a certain minimum click threshold were excluded. Prices are on average and are for example purposes only.

The post The In-Betweasons Guide: How to take advantage of the slower months at trendy destinations appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

At KAYAK, travel is a part of our identity. From learning about different cultures to their favorite trips and tips, we’ve gathered a few thoughts from our KAYAK team on navigating the travel experience. Here is what they had to say:

Lamarr O. – Marketing, Stamford

Do you have any memorable travel experiences?
I would say my most memorable travel experience is the Amalfi Coast in Italy. It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen – the beaches, the food, the people. It was a beautiful place.

What’s your favorite kind of vacation?
I would say lately it’s been family vacations. I enjoy discovering new places with my family – my son and my husband. My son is pretty chill, so we’ve been able to explore a lot of cool places with him, he’s fun to take along.

I guess this kind of goes with the family vacation thing but I love road trips. I just like the freedom of having your car with you and being able to stop in different cities and different restaurants, different towns and just kind of park, explore, walk around when we’re done and then hop in the car and and go on to the next place. So I really like making the most out of out of road trips.

What’s your favorite type of travel experience?
Cultural, adventure, and relaxation when possible, I like to combine all of them. I like to plan a trip that has equal parts relaxation and discovery. I like to approach being in a new place, not so much as a tourist but “where would I go if I lived here?” I like to find the places that are near and dear to the hearts of people that actually live wherever I’m going. I find that the food is usually better, and the experiences are usually better. You get more of a real feel for where you are versus just going and sticking to the touristy places – that’s my approach.

What is a destination you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t had the opportunity yet?
I would love to visit Ghana one day. South Africa and Tokyo are I think some of my three – I have others, but those are the ones that come to mind.

Copez R. – Account Management, New York

What inspired you to start traveling?
It’s not really what it’s a who. It’s actually my mother, she has kind of put the traveling bug – the wanderlust – in me and my sister. We always go on family trips every year. This year we’re going to Berlin, last year we went to Amsterdam, I think next year we’re trying to go to Greece. So my mother knows how important travel is, how important it is to see the world, how much you can learn from seeing the world.

What are some of the challenges you have faced as a Black traveler?
One time when we were in Jamaica, my sister was going down a water slide and the lifeguard didn’t know that there was somebody at the end standing there, taking pictures. He sent her down and she ended up clipping that person and that person fell back on top of my sister and broke her nose. I think my sister was probably 12 years old at the time. She was bleeding heavily and passed out – people had to jump into the water to save her, and when they brought her back onto the pier, they were asking who her parents were, “Are her parents here?” And my mom kept saying “I’m her mother.” But one thing that you don’t know about my mom is that she has Vitiligo, which means that she lost all the pigment in her skin, something similar to what Michael Jackson had. They didn’t believe that she was my sister’s mother, so she had to show ID – I was there, thankfully, to vouch for her. So that was kind of a weird experience, and for my mother, especially, being a black woman and having to prove that she has a black daughter because of the Vitiligo.

How have you used travel to connect to your cultural heritage?
My grandmother, she unfortunately passed, but she was West Indian and I have the scars to prove it. My grandmother was definitely somebody that knew discipline. She would always say the first time that I went to Jamaica was when my mother was eight months pregnant with me. Ever since then we’ve gone every single year. It’s pretty much my second home – I grew up there, I still have friends there. Actually, Sean Paul’s now wife was one of my best friends growing up because her family and I would always happen to be in Jamaica at the same time, so we would always hang out. Jamaica is just a special place and holds a special place in my heart.

How has travel impacted your personal growth and development?
Traveling has impacted my growth and development by showing me that there are people who live in different ways. People live or value different things in different areas. You know, there are different places of life, different cultures, different food, different religions. There’s always something outside of your circle, right? So if we are always staying within our circle then that’s the only thing that we know and I think that is some form, in my opinion, of willful ignorance, right? Sometimes you can’t get out, you know, sometimes you can’t travel and I totally understand that some people don’t have the means to travel – but at least you have access to books or some type of media to be able to learn about other cultures. I always think that it’s very important for people to learn about other cultures. This is something that can really allow you to grow as a person, as an individual, and understand that your way of thinking is not the only way of thinking.

What is a destination you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t had the opportunity to yet?
The one destination that I’ve always wanted to visit is Nigeria. I’m thinking maybe this year I might get there. I’ve been to the continent of Africa. I’ve been to Morocco, which was an amazing experience (I highly recommend, 10 out of 10 in my opinion). But, Nigeria – my sister did a DNA test and most of our heritage is Nigerian. So that is one bucket list place that I definitely want to visit at some point.

Maceo O. – Diversity & Inclusion, Michigan

What inspired you to start traveling?
Growing up in the kind of neighborhood that I’m from, I know so many people who never get the opportunity to travel outside of their state, and sometimes even outside their city or county. For years, I even thought that was normal. Most of my family had never left the country or even experienced the other side of the US. Travel was known as something that “rich people” did.

Also growing up as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I’ve had the opportunity to interact closely with people from all cultural backgrounds throughout my life. In these interactions and conversations, I would always be so fascinated when people would talk about their travels and experiences. I remember telling myself that I was going to be one of the people to see the world.

How have you used travel to connect with your cultural heritage?
If I’m being honest, I haven’t done this yet. Up until last year, I had no idea what my cultural heritage was beyond being an African-American woman. I don’t think a lot of people realize that by being a descendant of enslaved people, most African Americans really have no idea where their heritage is rooted in. I took a DNA test and, for the first time in my life, I now have a list of places that I can’t wait to visit to get connected.

What are your favorite travel destinations and why?
It’s definitely Bali and Mexico for me. Bali gave me this overwhelming feeling of peace when I was there that is invaluable. It has mountains and beaches and volcanoes, and just fits my adventurous vibe very well. On the other hand, I really love Mexico – between the beaches and the cenotes, the food and culture, and the convenience, being that it’s such a short flight! It’s for sure at the top of my list.

What are some challenges you have faced as a Black traveler?
I think, most importantly, it’s hard for me to come back to the inner city and to know how many people will never get to see what I see. To know how their life could change by seeing that there’s more beyond their city and that it’s very attainable, it’s kind of heartbreaking, and there’s a weird feeling of guilt that I experience. That’s why any chance I can I love to take others on trips with me to see new things for the first time. As an African American who comes from where I come (low-income, primarily made up of other African Americans) that is the other side of travel for me.

How do you plan your trips and what resources do you use?
I am definitely the planner friend of the group. Typically once I’m interested in going somewhere I will make a Pinterest board about it and start adding ideas there. I’ll also go on TikTok and create a folder and I’ll save all of the top things to do in restaurants in that folder. I’m also a really big fan of travel vlogs on YouTube (I even make some sometimes). I’ll binge-watch as many vlogs as I can from people who visited that area. After that, I’ll put everything in a Google doc and will create an hour-by-hour itinerary for myself. Yeah, I’m that person.

Sydney P. – Marketing, Stamford

What inspired you to start traveling?
I think I’ve always just been a very curious person. I’ve always wanted to do new things, try new food, try new adventures, go new places – so I’ve always been drawn to the idea of traveling. And then on top of that, I’ve been inspired by my grandmother. She is an avid traveler – she always has been and has really made that a big part of her life. Growing up, listening to her stories of traveling through Egypt and China has really inspired me to have my own stories and to share my own experiences. That’s my big push.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your travels?
I think the most valuable lesson I’ve learned while traveling is how to be independent and more confident. Recently I’ve been doing a lot of solo traveling, so naturally you have to learn how to rely on yourself, and I think that just continues to help me in other parts of my life.

I’ve had amazing experiences solo traveling and being able to do what I want to do while on vacation. That has also just opened up so many opportunities to meet people, try new things and really understand myself and more of the world. I recommend it to everybody. It’s difficult, but I think it is a very interesting way to travel.

What are your favorite kind of vacations (solo travel, family vacation, baecation, group trip)?
I’m a big fan of solo travel. You get to do whatever moves you in the moment. So I just really enjoy it. You don’t have to worry about other people’s schedules, other people wanting to eat certain places or visit certain places. So I really, really recommend it for everybody to at least try once, see how they like it. It’s not for everybody, but I really do enjoy it.

There are moments where you get to meet new people and try new things. And then there are moments where you’re just by yourself and you really get to just be in your own brain for a bit – great opportunities to read, go to cafes, people watch and just kind of sit with your thoughts.

What are some challenges you have faced as a Black traveler?
I think I honestly have had a good experience traveling and I’ve been lucky to be very confident and not too worried about other people, but I think the biggest thing is constant stares. The first time I really experienced this was traveling in China back in 2013 with a school travel program.

In my group I was the only Black traveler with a mix of Asian and white students. So I just stood out a lot and I think I was just very open to questions or people coming up to me and taking photos and pictures. But I definitely would say that’s a challenge that you will need to face as a Black traveler – getting stares, getting questions, having people come up to you.

So far through my own experience, I haven’t dealt with the negative part of that, but definitely be aware of your surroundings (and people looking at you) and how that could potentially turn negative.

How do you ensure a safe and comfortable trip for yourself?
I think the biggest thing is being hyper aware of your surroundings and just having your own safety in mind. I always share my location. I try not to be out too late if I’m alone. I would also recommend, knowing people you can contact in the area that you’re visiting. And always have your information saved on your phone, whether that be screenshots or written down in notes.

What are your favorite travel destinations and why?
My favorite travel destination so far have been Jamaica, China, and France. They were all very unique experiences to me that impacted how I continue to travel and how I continue to see the world. So first off, I would say Jamaica was really, really important for me growing up with a Jamaican mother.

Being able to go back with my family and visit my grandmother in Montego Bay was really an amazing experience. I got to check out all the food, culture and music and see where my mom grew up.

And then in school, I was learning Chinese so I was able to go to China for a summer and really work on my language skills while also understanding more of Chinese culture.

Most recently was my trip to Europe and France was the first time I was solo traveling somewhere where I didn’t speak the language. I picked up a few French-speaking skills and was able to make some friends, so I would love to do that again.

The post Honoring Black History Month through travel: a Q&A with KAYAK employees appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

It’s giving family fun.

By “it” we mean our family-friendly travel recommendations. Whether you’re planning for spring break or a future vacation, we’ve got where to go, when to leave and how to make it work for your budget. Keep scrolling for tips to plan your next family trip.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Spring break ready? Check.
  TSA is gearing up for an influx of crowds – both in the normal security and precheck lanes – at airports around the country.

• More ways to San Juan.
  Both Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines announced that they would soon be launching new routes to Puerto Rico this spring.

• The ski-son isn’t over.
  Traveling with ski gear can be such a drag, but it doesn’t have to be – here are some tips for making your next ski getaway hassle-free.

• Those summer flights.
  Airports around Europe and the US are getting ready for summer travel and are hopeful that things could run smoother this year.
• Families that sit together…
  Stay together with United’s booking technology – the airline plans to introduce new seat mapping software to help make this happen.

Trending travel

Pack your bags, kiddos.
Traveling with the fam doesn’t have to be a whole (expensive) thing. Whether you prefer the beach or the mountains, we’ve got ideas for how to plan a trip with the kids that’s actually fun for everyone – including your wallet. According to our data, here are some money-saving hacks for your next vacation:

• Consider these domestic spots.
  Myrtle Beach has low cost carriers, like Spirit, which fly to the coast for less. Denver also has flights for around $600 roundtrip* if the outdoors are your thing.
  Search flights

• Somewhere tropical is possible.
  Try searching for Caribbean destinations like San Juan, Santo Domingo and Montego Bay. Flights to these spots are all scoped to be under $600*.
  Find deals

• Try to get away midweek.
  Domestic flights are 13% cheaper on Wednesdays and 15% more expensive on Sundays. We’d also book at least four weeks in advance.**
  Explore destinations
• Try this airport helper.
  If you’re an Apple Watch user, our Trips tool can notify you about gate information and details on where to grab your luggage from baggage claim.
  Get the app.

Tricks of the trade

Business trips are making a comeback.

Since many companies are asking employees to return to the office, business trips are becoming a more regular thing. In fact, our numbers show that there’s been a spike in business travel, with searches for work trips hovering just below searches for leisure. If you’re traveling for work soon, look into KAYAK Biz for free planning tools, travel discounts and help getting approvals.

Sign up for KAYAK Biz to integrate everything you love about KAYAK with your 9-to-5 endeavors.

Community voices

We’ll happily take the stairs if they come with this view. Thanks for the ❤️, @one_pairofshoes! 

Be sure to tag #KAYAKPicks in your upcoming trips for a chance to be featured.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: February 23, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Our newest guide for World Pride.

But it’s not just for World Pride (which by the way, kicks off this week) – it’s actually a guide for all LGBTQ travelers, complete with destination tips and upcoming global events. That and the week’s travel news, coming right up.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Super fly (and safe).
  After reviewing 385 airlines, AirlineRatings.com ranked these 20 airlines as the best in safety standards, with Qantas ranked as #1.

• Going non-stop.
  Some of our favorite airlines are adding new flight routes to their arsenal, including more non-stop options to international destinations.

• Pilots wanted.
  Though the shortage of US pilots was a challenge even before the pandemic, it’s something that’s starting to actually affect flight operations.

• Your ticket to Hong Kong.
  As part of a major campaign to encourage tourism, Hong Kong’s gov is giving away some 500k flight tickets to travelers via lottery.
• DOT in the house.
  The DOT had a chat with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee about upcoming changes for flights – here’s what to know.

Trending travel

Our curated guide made for LGBTQ travelers.
All travelers deserve to freely move about the world. But for some in the LGBTQ community, there can be real-life challenges to experiencing that freedom.  That’s why we worked with our KAYAK Pride Employee Resource Group to create a resource with tools and tips to help LGBTQ travelers get the information they need to feel safe, supported and excited about their next adventure. From upcoming events to destination inspiration, here’s a sneak peek of the guide:

• Safety first.
  Whether it’s your first trip or your hundredth, it never hurts to brush up on safety tips and advice – here are some things to keep in mind before you depart.
  Read Up

• Guides by the city.
  From Rome to NYC, Paris and more, we’ve got LGBTQ travel guides to popular cities around the world to help you jump-start your trip planning.
  Get the Guides

• Check the calendar.
  No matter the season, odds are there’s a festival or event happening that’s worth traveling for – check out upcoming LGBTQ events.
  See the schedule

• Enter your digital nomad era.
  Why work from home when you can work from anywhere? If you’re itching to find a new remote office, check out these LGBTQ-friendly destinations.
  Find where to WFH.

Want to see what other LGBTQ resources we have to offer? Browse our latest guide  for more.

Tricks of the trade

How to find Black-owned restaurants at your destination.
Looking for a place to eat during your upcoming trip? We’ve got an idea – use OpenTable’s Minority owned/operated filter to find Black-owned restaurants. Search for your destination on OpenTable via desktop, scroll through the filters and check the “Black/African American” box. This filter makes it easy to discover local restaurants and support Black business-owners.

Community voices

Well this just made us hungry – check out Marty Sandiego’s video on our Instagram to learn more about her favorite Black-owned businesses around the world.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: February 16, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

While a city like San Francisco might be considered the gay capital of the world, Ireland’s capital is still one of the best cities in the world for gay travelers to visit. Most people who are gay in Dublin will head to the famous Temple Bar district, known for its excellent nightlife for gay and straight visitors alike. Visit during summer to experience some of the city’s best LGBTQ events, including film festivals and, of course, Dublin Pride. If it’s your first time visiting the city, be sure to check out our general guide to Dublin to get a sense of the best attractions in the city.

Find flights to Dublin

Is Dublin gay friendly?

Dublin is a very gay-friendly city. Homosexuality was legalized in Ireland in 1993 and gay marriage was legalized in 2015. The legalization of same-sex marriage was confirmed by a nationwide, public vote. This made Ireland the first country to legalize same-sex marriage by a popular vote. In Ireland, LGBTQ people have been elected to high levels of government, including Leo Varadkar, who was the Taoiseach (head of government) between 2017 and 2022. In most parts of the city, you shouldn’t encounter any problems but, of course, it always pays to be aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night. If you do run into any issues, you can reach out to LGBT Ireland and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Is there a gay area in Dublin?

Unlike many other European capitals, Dublin doesn’t have an easily identifiable gay neighborhood. You’ll find a variety of gay establishments scattered throughout the city, often mixed into general areas where there are lots of bars and restaurants. The Temple Bar area is where a lot of Dublin’s nightlife is concentrated, including the city’s most popular gay bars. You’ll also find a lot of the venues in this area are very gay-friendly. During the day, this area is a great place for food markets and you can also pop into one of the neighborhood’s art galleries or clothing boutiques.

The best Dublin gay bars and clubs

Dublin is one of Ireland’s best cities for nightlife and it has plenty of excellent gay bars and gay-friendly establishments. Most of these bars are lively and frequented by many members of the LGBTQ community. You can opt for exciting clubs or laid-back pubs. Plus, there are plenty of gay-friendly bars, clubs, and restaurants that are popular with Dublin’s LGBTQ community.

The George Bar

While other clubs have gay-themed nights or parties, The George is the only fully LGBTQ nightclub in Dublin, and it is one of the most popular gay venues in the city. It opens at 12:30 pm and closes between 1:00 am and 2:30 am, making it a super versatile option. They host drag shows, including bingo nights every Sunday, karaoke on Saturdays, and Glitter Bomb Parties on Fridays. In nice weather, they open up the outside terrace where you can party in the sun or under the stars. The George has been a haven for LGBTQ locals and visitors since the 1990s and you can join (entry is free Monday through Thursday).

Street 66

Street 66 is a wonderful gay bar on Parliament Street with super fun, bold decor. They play lots of funk, reggaeton, and jazz and host numerous events. Drag performances, DJs, and Drag DJs are all common, particularly during events. The cocktails are delicious with a focus on giving classic recipes a unique Street 66 twist. Gin and tonic lovers will want to return to Street 66 again and again, with their wide selection of gins from all around the world. The bar opens at 12:30 pm, and in the afternoon it’s a great hangout spot to grab a coffee. Things get rowdier as the evening wears on until it’s a full-blown party atmosphere. Street 66 is also happy to welcome dogs into the bar. If you’ll be visiting later at night, remember that it will be quite loud and often crowded.

PantiBar

PantiBar is one of Dublin’s most iconic LGBTQ institutions, opened in 2007 by Panti Bliss, one of Ireland’s best-known drag queens. They host all kinds of events throughout the week. Cabarets, drag shows, karaoke, movie nights, and more will keep you coming back again and again during your trip. The main floor has more of a boisterous, party atmosphere, with pop, electronica, and disco pumping through the speakers. Downstairs, there’s a lounge that has more of an intimate vibe, which is perfect for having conversations (it can be too loud for it upstairs). The staff is always welcoming and the patrons are usually super friendly and happy to meet someone new.

Pennylane Bar

Pennylane sits directly across the road from PantiBar and is also owned by Panti Bliss. It’s a super stylish cocktail bar, and it’s probably the most sophisticated and reserved option on this list. This is a great place if you’re looking for a quieter night or somewhere to ease into a night out at the more lively pubs and clubs in the Temple Bar area.

Mother

Mother is a night in one of the best gay clubs in Dublin, held every Saturday from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am. Mother bills itself as an “old-school club night” playing plenty of disco music to keep you on the dance floor all night long. In the past, they’ve also hosted LGBTQ music festivals, with performances from local and international queer artists. If you’re planning on visiting during Pride, get your tickets to Mother early. They always host one of the best and most popular parties of Pride Week.

Jack Nealon’s

Jack Nealon’s is something of an unofficial gay bar, on Capel Street in Dublin’s North City district. It doesn’t bill itself as a gay bar, but it is definitely very popular with Dublin’s gay community, particularly men. Warm, dim lighting, cozy booths, and rock music create a casual, inviting atmosphere where you can kick back with a pint on your own or with some friends. Jack Nealon’s is one of the best options further away from the Temple Bar neighborhood.

Oscar’s Cafe

Oscar’s Cafe is a wonderful gay-friendly cafe in the Smithfield neighborhood, next to the Temple Bar district. Their most popular offering is probably their bottomless brunches, which take place every weekend (and bank holiday) from 10:30 am. The food is a fun blend of classic and modern cuisine from around Europe, and the indoor dining area is warmly lit with cushioned armchairs, couches, and barstools. The outdoor terrace area is perfect for a warm-weather afternoon cocktail, and its location in Smithfield Square makes it perfect for people-watching. Oscar’s often hosts events during important LGBTQ+ occasions, such as Dublin Pride and National Coming Out Day.

Gay saunas: The Boilerhouse and The Dock

There are just two gay saunas in Dublin. The Dock is a smaller sauna near the River Liffey, while The Boilerhouse, in the Temple Bar area, is by far the most popular. When you arrive at The Boilerhouse, you’ll get a wristband that will open a locker where you can store your belongings (you can also leave valuables with the reception desk if that makes you more comfortable). They have a Jacuzzi, steam room and private cabins. There’s also a cafe where you can get coffee and snacks.

Gay events in Dublin

There are a number of gay events in Dublin held throughout the year. Along with the annual Pride Festival, you’ll find cultural events celebrating queer film and theatre made by local and international artists.

Dublin Pride

The first demonstration for gay rights in Dublin occurred in 1974, the first Gay Pride Week was held in 1979 and the first Pride March was held in March 1980. Today, Dublin Pride is a 10-day annual event, run by volunteers, that celebrates LGBTQ life in Ireland. Each year has a theme. For example, in 2007, the theme was “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride” to highlight the fight for same-sex marriage, and in 2019, the theme was “Rainbow Revolution” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The Pride March is held on the last Saturday in June and closes out the festival.

International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival

The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival is held during the first two weeks of May each year. The first festival, in 2004, was planned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Oscar Wilde’s birthday, and an image of Oscar Wilde is the logo of the festival today. The festival aims to encourage and celebrate up-and-coming LGBTQ theatre creators and performers. You’ll find the performances at venues throughout the city, including the Player’s Theatre, Pearse Street, and The Ireland Institute. It accepts work from Irish and international artists with a connection to gay characters, themes, and culture.

Gaze Film Festival

The Gaze International Film Festival usually takes place over a bank holiday weekend in late July or early August. It is also sometimes held later in summer, in September. It is the largest LGBTQ film event in Ireland and often the largest LGBTQ gathering in the country outside of Dublin Pride. It highlights films that explore LGBTQ stories and themes. In past years, the festival has hosted the premieres of feature films and documentaries, as well as screenings of older LGBTQ films such as John Waters’ 1972 classic “Pink Flamingos”. Screenings are usually held at the Light House Cinema on Market Street and the Irish Film Institute near Dublin’s famous Temple Bar Pub. In recent years, the festival has also held an online program after the main festival, which includes a selection of the Irish films screened at the main festival as well as some online-only exclusives.

Gay hotels in Dublin

You can usually count on hotels in Dublin to welcome LGBTQ guests with open arms. These are some of the most popular and most convenient hotels for gay travelers. Whether you’re staying in Dublin for a weekend or a few weeks, these hotels will be the perfect home base.

Jacobs Inn Hostel

Jacobs Inn Hostel is perfect for LGBTQ travellers on a budget. It’s close to the Temple Bar area, and their rooms come in a range of sizes and types. You can opt for a deluxe private room or save money with same-gender or mixed dormitories. They serve a lovely breakfast each morning, which includes bottomless porridge, orange juice, and coffee. This is a great option for first-time visitors to Dublin; they offer a free 3-hour walking tour each morning, starting at 11:00 am. In the evenings, you can join their pub crawl, which will take you to some of Dublin’s best pubs. You can book tickets at the reception desk. The bar area is a great place to socialize with fellow guests, even if you’ve opted for one of the private rooms. They also host bingo and trivia nights at the bar.

Jurys Inn Dublin Parnell Street

Jurys Inn is a modern, three-star hotel just minutes from LGBTQ establishments like The George Bar. Extra touches like 24-hour reception and laundry services make this hotel a super convenient option for any traveler. The rooms are spacious, and you can book options that fit up to three adults or two adults and two children. They have wheelchair-accessible rooms available with lowered beds and fully accessible bathrooms. There’s also a fully accessible bathroom in the common area. The second floor has a fitness area, which includes treadmills and free weights, and you can start your night at their contemporary restaurant, which serves up three-course meals. Visit their on-site coffee bar in the morning for a quick flat white before you start your day or in the afternoon for a relaxing peppermint tea.

Hard Rock Hotel

Just around the corner from Street 66, Hard Rock Hotel on Lord Edward Street is one of the most uniquely stylish hotels in the city. It embodies an old-school rock-and-roll vibe, and some rooms even come with a record player (and a collection of records). Its proximity to Dublin’s gay nightlife (and The Boilerhouse sauna) makes it a popular choice for gay travelers visiting the city. Check out their gorgeous lobby bar and Peruvian restaurant before hitting the town.

Temple Bar Inn

Temple Bar Inn sits right in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar district. Their chic rooms have comfortable beds and smart TVs. Don’t skip their excellent restaurant, which serves dishes inspired by both Irish and Italian cuisine. They also have a range of fun cocktails and quality beer on tap. In the morning, they offer a lovely Continental breakfast with a range of fresh options. The lobby area is a lovely place to relax in the afternoon, with plush couches and a coffee station. The sun terrace on the ground floor is a great place to enjoy warm weather. Temple Bar Inn is partnered with the nearby West Wood Club at Aston Bay, and hotel guests can get access to its fitness facilities and pool for free.

The Westbury Hotel

The Westbury Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels for gay travelers in Dublin. Their rooms are large and airy, with the luxuriously comfortable beds you’d expect from a five-star establishment. For lunch and dinner, choose between the on-site restaurant where faux-greenery lines the wall, and the all-day bistro with a lovely outdoor terrace. After dinner, head to their award-winning ’30s-themed cocktail bar, “The Sidecar”, for drinks. They also serve afternoon tea between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm every day, with tiered trays of sandwiches and pastries paired with tea and champagne. Families will love The Westbury; they offer babysitting services, and their Little Bears package creates a wonderful, tailored experience for young guests. Their concierge and the dedicated guest-relations department will ensure that your stay runs as smoothly as possible.

The post LGBTQ in Dublin: The ultimate guide appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Here for the snacks.

While some of us watch the big game just for the half-time show, many fans will be flocking to Arizona this weekend to spectate in-person. Football aside, AZ has so much to offer – keep reading for details on this desert destination.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• An improved safety net.
  Following January’s network outage that grounded flights, the FAA has made policy changes to avoid programming issues in the future.

• GoWild! this summer.
  Frontier Airlines introduced a nearly unlimited flight pass starting in May, which will service 100+ destinations for $399.

• Upping the penalty price.
  Several US senators are proposing a bill that would raise the penalty cost for airlines with oversold, delayed and canceled flights.

• New entrance fees.
  The UK announced that US, EU, Australian and Canadian travelers will soon have to pay an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee to visit.
  
• Flights for 50 states.
  Delaware welcomed a new budget airline, Avelo, to Wilmington Airport this week, marking the first of these flights in over a year.

Trending travel

Touchdown in Arizona.
While Arizona is a must-see destination year round, this weekend’s big game has certainly piqued travelers’ interest. Searches to Phoenix spiked 179%* following the semifinal games two weeks ago. Interested in venturing to the desert for an upcoming trip (outside of this weekend, preferably)? Based on our data, here are the latest top-trending AZ destinations:

• Marble Canyon
  Located north of the Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon is famous for its “wave” formation – hotel searches in Marble Canyon are up 213% compared to 2022**.
  Stay in Marble Canyon

• Glendale
  Found northwest of Phoenix, Glendale has all the sporting activities, both for those playing and watching. Hotel searches in Glendale are up 118% compared to 2022**.
  Stay in Glendale

• Chandler
  Nestled southeast of Phoenix, Chandler is home to Arizona’s first (of 250) golf courses. Hotel searches in Chandler are up 26% compared to 2022**.
  Stay in  Chandler

• Gilbert
  Not too far from Chandler, Gilbert is known for its agricultural roots, which translate to amazing local eats. Hotel searches in Gilbert are up 19% compared to 2022**.
  Stay in Gilbert

Need somewhere to crash during your Arizona trip? Start your search to find the right place to stay for your adventure.

Tricks of the trade

More to do in the Grand Canyon state.
If you’re looking to do something beyond staring at an impressive hole in the earth,  check out our travel guides. Just type in the city you’re visiting (in AZ or beyond) and we’ll spit out the top sights, weather, facts and things you need to know.

Community voices

Our cross-country road trip guide features some of the most prominent Black History landmarks in the US. It’s a non-exhaustive list that will direct you to revolutionary destinations so you can learn a bit more about those who helped shape our country.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*KAYAK US considered searches to Phoenix Arizona between 1/29 and 1/30/2023 for travel dates 2/9/-2/13/2023. For percent change, KAYAK considered search dates a week prior for the same travel dates.

**KAYAK US considered hotel searches between 8/1/2022 and 1/31/2023 for travel anytime in the future to the state of Arizona. For YoY comparison, the same search dates were used for the year prior. Destinations were excluded based on minimum search volumes.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: February 09, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

I can buy myself flowers.

Write my name in the sand… at a romantic destination, no significant other needed. Whether you’re flying solo or are coupled up, now is the perfect time to book a spur-of-the-moment trip for Valentine’s Day. Keep reading for all the deets on our beloved hidden-gem tool.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Scroll away.
  Desserts and new routes aren’t the only things added to Delta’s menu – they’re now offering free WiFi on most domestic flights (yeah, even for basic).

• Less than super.
  Now that we know which teams are facing off for the big game, many travelers are scrambling to find a place to stay – and VRBO isn’t having it.

• Thrifty travels ahead.
  Though tourism is scoped to reach up to 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, rising costs are causing travelers to spend less while away.

• More foot traffic.
  Issues between local Uber and taxi drivers in Cancún have caused transportation problems, resulting in a travel advisory from the US gov.

Trending travel

Love is in the air (and so are affordable flights).
File under reasons why we love Explore: it can help you find flights to romantic destinations that are also within budget – just in time for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re eager to get away with your S.O. or need a reason to escape this Hallmark holiday, Explore has swoon-worthy flights that won’t cost a fortune. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Enter your flight info.
  Plug in your starting airport and which days you’d like to be away – if you’re flexible, you can also filter flights by the month.

• Step 2: Enter your budget.
  Use the budget filter (found on the left hand side for desktop or the upper left corner for mobile) to set how much you’d like to spend.

• Step 3: Select the type of trip.
  This is where you choose the “romantic” option. And while this isn’t available on mobile, we’d recommend checking “beaches” under “themes” instead.

• Step 4: Zoom in and out.
  Ready to reveal your results? See what came of your search by zooming in and out of the interactive map to decide on your final destination.

New to Explore? Not a problem – here are the full details on how to use this gem of a tool.

Tricks of the trade

Save your rezzies to your itinerary.
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, have you secured your dinner reservations yet? We love to browse restaurants on OpenTable. And if you turn on email sync in your KAYAK Trips, any reservations you make – for romantic dinners, excursions and more – are automatically saved to your account. This gives you easy access to all your plans (no flipping through your inbox day-of).

Community voices

It’s officially Black History Month. To celebrate we chatted with Sydney Powell, Designer on the KAYAK Marketing Team, about her experiences, advice and perspectives on what the travel industry can do to be more inclusive of Black travelers. Head over to our blog to read the full conversation.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: February 2, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Get me out of here.

What’s been on our minds lately: an international trip. Which is why this week we’re featuring the cheapest destinations outside of North America. Better for your 2023 trip planning… and your 2023 budget. But first, the latest travel news.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Good things come in small packages.
  ZeroAvia, an experimental airline, had its first successful air test of a hydrogen-electric engine, getting the world one step closer to zero-emission airplanes.

• You can find me in the club.
  Sky Club, that is. According to Forbes, 2023 is the year of the airport lounge, with credit card companies working on new concepts and additional perks.

• Were you alive in the 1900s?
  Actual question from a 9 year old. Exciting news for those who remember the allure of overnight trains: Amtrak is making a major upgrade to the service.

• Peru closes Machu Picchu.
  Civil and political unrest has caused officials to close all access to Machu Picchu. This impacts tourists currently visiting the site as well as future visits for the foreseeable future.

Trending travel

A magic book that takes you to other lands.
It’s called a passport. And if you want to take advantage of some of the top affordable destinations this year – you’re going to need one. When looking at flights that won’t break the bank, we found that these international cities have the lowest average price*. Our top 4 are below, but go here for the full list.

• Bogotá, Colombia
  At an average price of $534 for a round-trip flight, Bogota is one of our most affordable international trips.

• Medellín, Colombia
  Looks like Colombia should be your top pick for an affordable trip. Average round-trip flight to Medellin is $542.

• Guayaquil, Ecuador
  Guayaquil has worked hard to become a more traveler-friendly city. Expect to spend around $642 on a flight.
• Lima, Peru
  As our #4 most affordable international destination, Lima clocks in at an average of $691 for a round-trip flight.

Tricks of the trade

Words of Affirm-ation.
Our data shows that while flight prices are up – so is travel demand. Which means it’s likely you need more ways to plan out those essential 2023 trips. Thanks to our new partnership with Affirm, you can budget out your breaks. Affirm provides a buy now, pay later option for approved KAYAK travelers – letting you pace out payment for those flights, hotels and rental cars that total over $150. Learn more.

Social shoutouts

The love for KAYAK Explore continues – thanks Chana! Tag us @kayak or #KAYAKPicks for a chance to be featured.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023 with the lowest average airfare. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: January 26, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

How are those resolutions going?

We refuse to let a January slump get the best of us – if you’ve felt stalled with your intentions to travel more in 2023, we’ve got ideas to help you get the ball rolling. Stay tuned for suggestions on which cities to explore for less this year, along with this week’s top stories.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Some help, please?
  Many US airlines are calling for more funds to be allocated to the FAA so that the admin can hire more staff and upgrade their systems.

• Under the weather.
  As California deals with inclement weather like rain and snow, many airlines have issued travel waivers for subsequent flight cancellations.

• From zero to hero.
  Virgin Atlantic is sticking to their resolutions – they’re unveiling the world’s first transatlantic flight with “net-zero” carbon emissions.

• On the menu.
  Travelers with severe food allergies are calling on the DOT to set stronger safety standards for passengers with life-threatening conditions.

Trending travel

Where to go for big adventure on a small(er) budget.
You wouldn’t expect to save money on a trip to see some of the most-popular cities in North America – which is why we were shocked when our data* informed us that budget-minded travelers could actually snag cheaper flights to major cities in 2023. Though we can’t speak to how much money you might spend during your cosmopolitan adventure, we do know that you can stash some extra cash from your flights. Here are some of the best North American cities to visit for less this year:

• New York, NY.
  “The big apple” is a year-round destination for a reason – it has something for everyone, even those on a budget. Based on our data, flights to NYC are $337 on average*.

• Chicago, IL.
  With great food and a neighboring Great Lake, Chi town is definitely a fan-favorite location. Based on our data, flights to Chicago are $343 on average*.

• Austin, TX.
  Go big with a Texas destination that promises delicious BBQ and plenty of things to do. Based on our data, flights to Austin are $360* on average.

• Atlanta, GA.
  Head south for a city that is rich in historic charm, art, and warmer temps. Based on our data, flights to Atlanta are $363 on average*.

Looking for ideas to fulfill your travel resolutions? Browse our travel trends for ‘23 blog for more.

Tricks of the trade

A new travel accessory for your phone’s home screen.
Not sure if you need a travel widget in your life, but we made one just in case you do. The KAYAK widget compliments our mobile app and makes it simple to keep your eyes on upcoming travel plans. Just download the latest version of our iOS app to add this little square to your phone’s home screen and let the vacation countdown begin.

Social shoutouts

That’s it – we’re going to Italy… we need to see this sight in person. Thanks for sharing your Lake Como content, @one_pairofshoes!  

We love to see where travel takes you – tag #KAYAKPicks for a chance to be featured.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*Methodology: KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023 with the lowest average airfare. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: January 23, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Back to the grind.

Now that we remember how to do our jobs (sorta), we’re jumping back into our routines… which includes searching for our next trip. We’ve got data on car rental trends, how to enter for a winter sweepstakes and a little something to keep you entertained. Up first: here’s this week’s latest travel headlines.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Stop traffic.
  Flights across the US are slowly starting to get back on schedule after the FAA experienced a system outage that led to delays and cancellations.

• Welcome to the internet.
  Delta Airlines announced that it will be launching “full, fast and free” wifi for all SkyMiles members on domestic flights Feb 1st.

• Mo’ money, mo’ problems.
  After issues with canceled flights over the holidays, Southwest Airlines may be shelling out $825 mil for lawsuits and reimbursements.

• Having a meltdown.
  Legendary ski locations across Europe have been seeing unseasonably warm temps, causing many resorts to close due to lack of snow.

• A TSA PSA.
  We love carry-on hacks… so long as they’re legal. TSA recently released a list of the weirdest stuff they saw last year and we have so many questions.

Trending travel

What’s all the rage for rented rides?
In this week’s edition of “things we expect to see in ‘23,” we took a closer look at our rental car data to pull predictions for the year. If you missed it, we wrote a blog alllllll about travel trends for 2023 – including what to expect for rented rides. One takeaway was that travelers are more interested in renting EVs: searches for electric car rentals increased 136% compared to the year prior*. Looking to rent an EV soon? Here’s how to get started:

• Filters make everything easier.
  Stopping for gas is so last year… jump on this trend by narrowing your search results using our Filters. Scroll down to “Eco-friendly options” then select the “Electric” box.

• Prices are down.
  You can expect to pay a little less for daily rates – domestic rental car rates decreased 12% compared to the year prior**. To make sure you get an even better deal, set a Price Alert to track prices so you know when to book.

Get the recap on our travel predictions by checking out our travel trends for 2023 blog.

Tricks of the trade

Your chance to win with the Ski Smarter Sweeps.
That winter destination that’s been on your mind for years? Yeah, it’s time to finally go – and we can help make that happen. We teamed up with our partners at Smartwool to give one lucky traveler the grand prize of two gift cards – one for travel accommodations and one for new snow gear. Here’s how to enter.

What we’re watching

Yeah… you’re going to want to find a new secret meeting spot. See the conspiracy we’re exposing in our latest ads.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*KAYAK US considered rental car searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.30.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. For YoY comparison of car categories, the same search dates in 2021 and the same travel dates in 2022 were used.

**KAYAK US considered rental car searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.30.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. For year over year percent change, the same search dates in 2021 and travel dates in 2022 were used. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: January 12, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

1. Introduction: The Sweepstakes referenced below (“Sweepstakes”) is organized by KAYAK Software Corporation (“KAYAK”), located at 7 Market Street, Stamford, CT 06902.

These rules are the terms and conditions of the Sweepstakes (“Rules”). By entering the Sweepstakes, you agree to be bound by these Rules. If you do not agree with any of the Rules then you should not enter the Sweepstakes. Failure to comply with these Rules may result in disqualification from the Sweepstakes at KAYAK’s sole discretion.

2. Key Defined Terms: The capitalized terms below shall have the respective meanings set forth opposite them:

3. Eligibility: You are eligible to enter the Sweepstakes if you meet the Eligibility Requirements. Employees of KAYAK, Booking Holdings, Inc. (“Booking Holdings”) or its affiliates and anyone else professionally connected with this Sweepstakes, including employees of Smartwool, VF Outdoor LLC, and/or VF Corporation, and members of their respective immediate families (to include, parent, sibling, spouse and child) are not eligible to win the Prize (as described above). Any such entries will be invalid. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

4. Entry Period: The Sweepstakes begins on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 12:00 PM (EST) and will end on Monday, January 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM (EST) (“Entry Period”). The Entry Period will be followed by the selection of and informing the Winners on or about Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 3:00 PM (EST) (“Drawing Date”). All times relating to the Sweepstakes are Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise stated. Sponsor’s server for the Sweepstakes shall be the official time keeping device. ENTRANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING THE CORRESPONDING TIME ZONE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS.

5. How to Enter: During the Entry Period, you may enter the Sweepstakes via the Entry Method described above. Limit one (1) entry during the Entry Period per entrant‘s email. Any use of robotic, automatic, programmed or similar entry methods will void all such entries by such methods.

6. Winner Selection: At the close of the Entry Period, the winner(s) (“Winner(s)”) will be determined by eleven (11) random drawings (“Drawing(s)”) on the Drawing Date from among all eligible entries received during the Entry Period. There will be eleven (11) Winners total, with one (1) Winner being selected in each of the eleven (11) Drawings. Odds of winning depend on the actual number of eligible entries received. All non-winning entries received will not carry over to be considered in subsequent sweepstakes, giveaways, or drawings. Please note that an entrant cannot win more than once. Sponsor’s decision is final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.

7. Winner Notification: Potential Winners will be notified by the email provided approximately within 24 hours after the Drawing Date. The Winners may also be publicly announced on Instagram and you agree to such publication of your name by entering the Sweepstakes. If a potential Winner is unreachable for three (3) business days after the first attempt to contact such Winner or, if applicable, is unable to attend, KAYAK may award the Prize to an alternate entrant. To claim the Prize, Winners must complete and sign an “Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability Release,” a W-9 Form (if applicable), and, where lawful, a publicity release. If such documents are not returned within the time specified, prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, or a potential Winner is not in compliance with these Official Rules, prize will be forfeited and, at KAYAK’s discretion, a runner-up may be notified for the applicable Entry Period. KAYAK reserves the right in its sole discretion to conduct a background check on a potential Winner and disqualify any individual who has been charged or convicted of a crime or, if KAYAK determines in its sole discretion that awarding a prize to such individual may reflect unfavorably on the Sweepstakes or KAYAK. KAYAK’s computer shall be the official timekeeper for all matters related to the Sweepstakes.

8. Prize: The Winner(s) will receive the Prize(s). The Winner(s) will not receive the difference between actual and approximate retail value. No cash equivalent or alternative prize will be given and the Prize is non-transferable and non-exchangeable, except in KAYAK’s sole discretion. The Prize is awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied. All taxes and other expenses, costs, or fees, including transportation, and accommodations associated with the acceptance and/or use of any prize are the sole responsibility of the Winner(s). The Prize(s) may also be subject to Additional Prize Conditions, if any, noted above. KAYAK will not be responsible for any loss, liability, or damage arising out of any Winner’s acceptance or use of any Prize.

9. Winners List: To receive a list of Winner(s) for the Sweepstakes, email contests@kayak.com. Requests for results must be received within 30 days of the end of the Entry Period.

10. Conditions: By entering the Sweepstakes, you hereby warrant that all the information submitted by you is true, current and complete. KAYAK reserves the right to ask for proof of age and evidence to verify the identity of an entrant at any time, and may carry out checks of any details provided.

11. Ownership of entries and intellectual property rights: All entries remain the property of the respective entrants(s), but entries will not be acknowledged or returned. You must have the permission of any person that you identify or otherwise refer to in your entry. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants grant KAYAK the non-exclusive, royalty-free, and irrevocable rights to use, reproduce, copy, publish, display, distribute, perform, translate, adapt, modify, and otherwise exploit the entry and to incorporate the entry in other works in any and all markets and media worldwide in perpetuity without additional compensation, notification, permission or approval.

12. Content of entries: Entrants warrant that they have the sole and exclusive right to grant such rights to KAYAK and that KAYAK’s reproduction, publishing, displaying, and/or other use of the entry will not infringe on any rights of third parties, including, without limitation, copyright, trademark, privacy, or publicity, or create claims for defamation, false light, idea misappropriation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, or breach of contract. If any entry contains material that is offensive, violent, pornographic, obscene, illegal, inappropriate, or racially or morally offensive or if any entry does not comply with these Rules or meet KAYAK’s standards for any reason, as determined by KAYAK in its sole discretion, such entry may be rejected as ineligible for consideration and/or deleted. Entries must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. KAYAK shall have no obligation to copy, publish, display, or otherwise exploit the entry.

In the event of any fault, mistake, misunderstanding or dispute concerning the validity of the information supplied by the entrant, or the operation of any part of the Sweepstakes, the decision of KAYAK shall be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

13. Exclusion of Liability: KAYAK does not accept responsibility for any fault, malfunction, damage, loss or disappointment suffered by any entrant howsoever arising from participating in the Sweepstakes or of accepting any Prize whether due to any error, omission, or other cause by KAYAK, its employees, agents or others, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

By entering the Sweepstakes, each entrant agrees for entrant and for entrant’s heirs, executors, and administrators (a) to release and hold harmless KAYAK and its promotional partners, and their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from such entrant’s participation in any Sweepstakes and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (b) to indemnify Released Parties from any and all liability resulting or arising from the Sweepstakes and to hereby acknowledge that Released Parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to prize; (c) if selected as a Winner, to the posting of such entrant’s name and/or, if applicable, user name on the KAYAK website and the use by Released Parties of such entrant’s name, voice, image, and/or likeness for publicity, promotional, and advertising purposes in any and all media now or hereafter known, throughout the world in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification, permission, or approval, and, upon request, to the giving of consent, in writing, to such use; and (d) to be bound by these Rules and to waive any right to claim any ambiguity or error therein or in the Sweepstakes itself, and to be bound by all decisions of KAYAK, which are binding and final. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in disqualification from the Sweepstakes at KAYAK’s sole discretion.

IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING, IF YOU ARE A CALIFORNIA RESIDENT, YOU HEREBY WAIVE CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTION 1542, WHICH STATES: “A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.”

THE REMEDY FOR ANY CLAIM SHALL BE LIMITED TO ACTUAL DAMAGES, AND IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY PARTY BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES OR OTHER SUCH RELATED COSTS OF BRINGING A CLAIM, OR TO RESCIND THIS AGREEMENT OR SEEK INJUNCTIVE OR ANY OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF.

14. Use of Data: KAYAK may collect personal data about entrants in accordance with its privacy policy. Please review KAYAK’s privacy policy here. By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants hereby agree to KAYAK’s collection and usage of their personal information in order to administer the Sweepstakes and as described in these Rules (including sharing your personal data as part of the list of Winner(s) for the Sweepstakes if you’re selected as a Winner) and acknowledge that they have read and accepted KAYAK’s privacy policy. Additionally, in order for each Winner to claim their respective Prize, KAYAK will need to share each Winner’s personal data with the Prize provider, Smartwool (a division of VF Outdoor LLC, which is a subsidiary of VF Corporation). By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants hereby agree that KAYAK shall be permitted to share, transfer, and provide their respective personal data with Smartwool (a division of VF Outdoor LLC, which is a subsidiary of VF Corporation) in the event that they are selected as a Winner.

15. Organizer: The sponsor of the Sweepstakes is KAYAK Software Corporation.

16. Non-Affiliation: This Sweepstakes is in no way organized, sponsored, endorsed, or associated with or by any Prize provider or Social Media Platform. Each entrant agrees for entrant and for entrant’s heirs, executors, and administrators (a) to release and hold harmless Prize provider or Social Media Platform (i.e., YouTube), and their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from such entrant’s participation in any Sweepstakes and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof.

17. Governing Law: The Sweepstakes shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Connecticut, U.S.A. without regard to its conflicts of laws provisions.

ARBITRATION: BY ENTERING THE SWEEPSTAKES, ENTRANTS AND POTENTIAL WINNERS AGREE THAT EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION FOR ANY AND ALL DISPUTES OF WHATSOEVER KIND OR NATURE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED IN ANY WAY TO THE SWEEPSTAKES, ALL PARTICIPATION THEREIN AND/OR THESE RULES, SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO BINDING FOR BINDING ARBITRATION IN STAMFORD, CT, BEFORE ONE NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR TO BE MUTUALLY AGREED UPON BY BOTH PARTIES. THE PARTIES AGREE TO SHARE EQUALLY IN THE ARBITRATION COSTS INCURRED. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE RIGHTS TO LITIGATE, SEEK INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, OR MAKE ANY OTHER RECOURSE TO JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS IN CASE OF DISPUTES OR CLAIMS RESULTING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SWEEPSTAKES ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED, AND ALL PARTICIPANTS EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL SUCH RIGHTS.

18. Prohibition and disqualification: KAYAK reserves the right to permanently disqualify from any Sweepstakes or any other promotion any person they believe has intentionally violated these Rules. Any attempt to deliberately damage the Sweepstakes or the operation thereof is unlawful and subject to legal action by KAYAK, who may seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.

KAYAK shall have no responsibility or liability for cancellations, delays, or any other change by any company or person providing any element of the Prize due to reasons beyond KAYAK’s control, and is not responsible or liable for any expenses incurred as a consequence thereof.

The failure of KAYAK to comply with any provision of these Rules due to an act of God, hurricane, war, fire, riot, earthquake, terrorism, act of public enemies, actions of governmental authorities outside of the control of KAYAK (excepting compliance with applicable codes and regulations), or other “force majeure” event will not be considered a breach of these Rules.

Released Parties are not responsible for telecommunications, network, electronic, technical, or computer failures of any kind; for inaccurate transcription of entry information; for errors in any promotional or marketing materials or in these Rules; for any human or electronic error; or for entries that are stolen, misdirected, garbled, delayed, lost, late, damaged, or returned.

19. Modification or cancelation of these Rules: KAYAK reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the Sweepstakes or any element thereof (including, without limitation, these Rules) without notice in any manner and for any reason (including, without limitation, in the event of any unanticipated occurrence that is not fully addressed in these Rules). In the event of cancellation, modification, or suspension, KAYAK reserves the right to select winners in a random drawing from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received prior to the time of the event warranting such cancellation, modification, or suspension. Notice of such cancellation, modification, or suspension will be posted on KAYAK’s website. KAYAK may prohibit any entrant or potential entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes, if such entrant or potential entrant shows a disregard for these Rules; acts with an intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any other entrant, KAYAK, or KAYAK’s agents or representatives; or behaves in any other disruptive manner (as determined by KAYAK in its sole discretion). KAYAK reserves the right to modify these rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the terms and conditions of the Sweepstakes.

The post KAYAK X Smartwool 2023 Sweepstakes Ski Smarter – Official Rules appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Spilling the tea for travel in ‘23.

Welcome to the new year! As we’ve eased into the first week back at work (aka still sporting sweats), we’re keeping track of what you need to know about travel. First up: those 2023 trips. Keep scrolling to see what you need to know about booking this year – plus a couple of destinations that are dropping in price.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Recovering from the holidays?
  So is Southwest. The carrier canceled 15k+ flights from 12/22-29 and is currently taking measures to apologize to travelers.

• New year, new rules.
  Many countries, including the US, are reevaluating COVID-19 restrictions for travelers from China as the country is seeing a surge in cases.

• Join the club.
  Visiting Croatia just got easier – as of Jan 1st, the country joined the EU’s border-free area and switched to the Euro for their currency.

• Pack your pup.
  Trying to bring your pet with you on more adventures this year? Here are some of the best pet-friendly airlines for ‘23 travels.

Trending travel

Deals in the East.
We predict that Asia/Pacific destinations are going to have a big comeback this year. According to our trends, searches are popping to places like Vietnam, Australia and Japan. But for most Americans, these longer haul trips come at a much higher price. That said, there are some Asian/Pacific destinations that are actually seeing prices drop (meaning you could save more on these trips now than before). Here’s where it’s happening*:

• Melbourne, Australia
  Save on a trip to down unda. Airfare to Melbourne experienced a 10% decrease.

• Bora Bora
  Got the islands on your mind? Bora Bora is seeing a 9% decrease in airfare.

• Sydney, Australia
  Find out what’s up with Sydney. Airfare to this destination has decreased 2%.

• Fiji
  Cross Fiji off your list. Flight prices have decreased 2% to the islands.

Wondering what other places have seen a dip in flight prices? Check out our travel trends for more.

Tricks of the trade

When to book your 2023 trips
Ah the age-old question: how far ahead should I book my flight? Well, it depends. We dug into our data to see how far ahead you should book, based on the region of the world you’re traveling to. Head to our post to get the full details – and, as always, if you find a great deal, grab it.

Social shoutouts

Talk about places we’d rather be…thanks for the inspo, @one_pairofshoes, we’ll be adding Croatia to our destinations list for 2023.

If you want to be featured, tag your pics with #KAYAKPics.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*Methodology: KAYAK US considered searches for flights from 7.1.2022 – 11.20.2022 for travel between 1.1.2023 – 12.31.2023. To compare year over year, we considered searches for flights from 7.1.2021 – 11.20.2021 for travel between 1.1.2022 – 12.31.2022. Search thresholds were used and destinations have been removed based on this criteria.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: January 5, 2023 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Excited to get your 2023 travel plans going? Same. We’ve crunched the numbers on what we think will be the top trends in travel for next year – because what’s the point of having all this travel data if we don’t share it? From the most affordable destinations to those places we think will be “in,” these are the travel trends you need to know for the year ahead.

Trending destinations.

When it came to 2022 trips, travelers were more than ready – destinations around the country and the world saw tourism coming back. The emergence of “revenge travel” was also too real and there are no signs of it stopping in 2023. So where is everyone headed this year? We’ve got a few educated guesses.

Region of the year: Asia and South Pacific.

Snapshots in London, Paris and the Amalfi Coast flooded our feeds in 2022 as US travelers were returning to travel. In 2023, we expect to see travelers branch out to destinations in Asia and the South Pacific. Based on our data, here are the places that we anticipate will generate buzz:

Top 10 trending destinations for 2023

1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Searches were up 769% year over year
2. Taipei City, Taiwan: Searches were up 289% year over year
3. Auckland, New Zealand: Searches were up 272% year over year
4. Singapore: Searches were up 201% year over year
5. Hong Kong: Searches were up 190% year over year
6. Melbourne, Australia: Searches were up 167% year over year
7. Bangkok, Thailand: Searches were up 166% year over year
8. Tokyo, Japan: Searches were up 150% year over year
9. Sydney, Australia: Searches were up 145% year over year
10. Tel Aviv, Israel: Searches were up 134% year over year

Our takeaways: Travelers will be flocking to bucket list destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand in 2023, likely because these destinations have (finally) re-opened to visitors. Already have your eyes on flights? We’ve got new data on when to book – keep scrolling for the details. 

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023. To find year over year percent change, the same search dates in 2021 and travel dates in 2022 were considered. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

Which places are cheaper? You’re getting warmer…

Skipped out in 2022 because of audacious flight prices? We hear you – fares this past year were out of control (which might bleed into 2023 too… but more on that later). That’s why we took a look at our numbers to see which destinations are seeing the biggest dips in flight prices: 

Destinations trending cheaper vs. last year

1. Melbourne, Australia: 10% YoY price decrease in airfare
2. Bora Bora: 9% YoY price decrease in airfare 
3. Copenhagen, Denmark: 8% YoY price decrease in airfare 
4. Sydney, Australia: 2% YoY price decrease in airfare
5. Fiji: 2% YoY price decrease in airfare 

Destinations trending cheaper vs. 3 years ago

1. Warsaw, Poland: 10% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare
2. Bora Bora: 8% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare
3. Mykonos, Greece: 7% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare
4. Lisbon, Portugal: 4% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare
5. Bogotá, Colombia: 2% Yo3Y price decrease in airfare

Our takeaways: You might have noticed that Melbourne and Sydney are also on the top-trending destinations list. While flights there are generally expensive, 2023 will see lower-than-usual prices… so this could be your time to plan a trip “down unda.” Additionally, if you’ve had your eyes on Bora Bora, our numbers show flights there are less pricey than they’ve been in years.

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023. To find year over year percent change in airfare, the same search dates in 2021 and travel dates in 2022 were considered. To find year over 3 year percent change in airfare, the same search dates in 2019 and travel dates in 2020 were considered. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

Staying within a budget? Here’s where to go.

For flights that don’t drain your bank account, we’d recommend a city adventure that’s closer to home. Based on our data, airfare to these popular destinations in and around the US are where you can see more… for less:

Destinations seeing the lowest fares on average

1. New York, NY, US: $337
2. Chicago, IL, US: $343
3. Austin, TX, US: $360
4. Atlanta, GA, US: $363
5. Houston, TX, US: $365
6. Nashville, TN, US: $365
7. Guadalajara, Mexico: $369
8. Toronto, Canada: $375
9. Raleigh, NC, US: $375
10. Fort Lauderdale, FL, US: $376

Want to make use of your recently-renewed passport without paying a hefty price? It’s possible – based on our data, here are some places to consider for international travel on a budget in 2023:

Destinations seeing the lowest fares on average

1. Bogotá, Colombia: $534
2. Medellín, Colombia: $542
3. Guayaquil, Ecuador: $642
4. Lima, Peru: $691
5. Lisbon, Portugal: $708
6. Quito, Ecuador: $712
7. Reykjavik, Iceland: $718
8. Warsaw, Poland: $747
9. Copenhagen, Denmark: $749
10. Krakow, Poland: $766

Our takeaways: For those staying closer to home in 2023, we recommend pursuing popular cities in the US, Canada and Mexico. For international excursions, consider flying to destinations in South America and Northern Europe to stay under $800.

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023 with the lowest average airfare. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

Flight trends.

The searches continue.

Inflation made its mark (or… dent) in 2022 – and many of us have felt that effect on our budgets. But travelers have continued to search for flights… even if it means shelling out more money than usual. Based on our numbers, here are 3 things we noticed about search behavior and what these trends could mean for 2023:

• Interest in travel isn’t going anywhere. It’s clear travelers aren’t willing to sacrifice their long-awaited vacations. Both domestic and international flight searches are up for 2023 compared to 2022 (25% for domestic and 64% for international).*
• Solo travel is on the rise.Travelers are ready to find themselves (and their new favorite destinations). Searches for single-person flights are up 36% in 2023 compared to 2022.**
• Wanted: more legroom. Travelers are looking to upgrade. Though all flight classes are seeing an increase in search interest, one class got more attention: premium economy. Searches for these seats are up 64% in 2023 compared to 2022.***

Our takeaways: Flight searches were up 46% for trips in 2022 versus 2021 – which could be telling for travel demand in 2023. Travelers continue to plan trips both domestically and abroad, with no signs of stopping. 

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023. To find year over year percent change, the same search dates in 2021 and travel dates in 2022 were considered. 

**KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for one traveler for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023.

***KAYAK US considered round-trip flights for different airfare classes for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023.

Airfare prices are reaching for the sky.

We won’t sugarcoat it – the increase that we saw in 2022 for flights will likely carry over into 2023. Does that mean we’re going to stop traveling? Absolutely not – especially since we have the data to help ease the burden of heftier prices. Based on our numbers, here’s what you can expect for trends in flight prices:

• Higher demand = higher prices. With more search interest comes bigger price tags. Both domestic and international flight prices are up in 2023 compared to 2022 (52% for domestic and 29% for international).*
• These are the regions with the lowest increases. Flights from the US to destinations around the world will see an increase in price for 2023 trips. That being said, flights to the South Pacific (+3%) and Europe (+10%) will see the smallest price increases.*
• Fly out mid-winter. Both domestic and international trips are expected to see price increases through June, so you may save if you take trips earlier in the year. This is especially true for trips abroad – prices for international flights departing in February dip 8%, making this month a great time to travel.*

Our takeaways: Searches show that the demand for travel is there – and even though flight prices continue to soar (up 52% for domestic and 29% for international), this doesn’t seem to be stopping US travelers from getting away. 

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023.

The best days to book for a better price.

There’s never a straight answer to the age-old question: when is the best time to book flights for the best possible deal? That’s because the data is always changing. As far as when to book in 2023, we have multiple answers. Based on our numbers, here’s what to expect:

• Leave on these days of the week. Yet another reason to love Thursdays and Fridays: because they may offer cheaper prices on airfare*. Our historical data shows that the lowest flight prices can be found if you book your departing flights on one of these days.

• This is when people are traveling. Travelers really take advantage of that extended holiday time off – our historical data shows that December is when travelers take the longest trips. This data also shows that the largest number of trips are taken during June and July*.

• Trips are being booked in advance. Both domestic and international flight booking windows increased compared to 2021 (9% for domestic and 7% for international). Domestic flights were booked 42 – 46 days in advance and international flights were booked 62 – 66 days in advance.*

Our takeaways: Opt for flights that leave on Thursday or Friday for a better deal and avoid booking trips during the busier months of June and July if you can help it. Booking your flights in advance also would be wise. In fact, here’s when to book your flights based on your destination:

*KAYAK US historical data was considered for flight search dates 1.1.2022-11.20.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2022-12.31.2022.

Hotel trends.

Lots of up and down.

Flights may have their inflation moment next year, but that doesn’t mean that hotels are following suit – it all depends on where you’re going. More travelers are searching for international hotels, meaning that domestic travelers are likely visiting more destinations where they already have a place to stay. Wondering what that means for nightly rates? Based on our numbers, here’s what to expect when finding a place to stay in 2023:

• Opposites attract. The data for domestic vs. international stays are pretty opposite. While searches for domestic hotels decreased 5% and nightly rates increased 8%, searches for international hotels increased 4% and nightly rates decreased 6% compared to last year.*

• Staying local? Head west. Looking at the locations with more affordable options, the West dominates with generally lower nightly rates. If you’re looking to stay in and around the US for less, you may find the best hotel prices in Northwest and Southwest locations.*

• International places with good prices. Going along with the theme of trending destinations, the international locations where you’ll find stays with reasonable rates are in Asia, the South Pacific and Europe. Many of these international rates rival those located in the States.*

Our takeaways: Travelers are searching less for domestic stays and more for hotels abroad. Domestic nightly rates have increased slightly – making them around the same price point as international nightly rates, which have decreased slightly. 

*KAYAK US considered standard, double occupancy hotel searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.20.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023.

Where to stay for less.

No matter where you’re looking to stay, nightly prices for hotels and rentals aren’t seeing huge increases in rates. For both domestic and international stays, travelers could expect to pay under $220 a night depending on where they’re headed. Based on our numbers, here are destinations with affordable accommodations:

Destinations around North America with the lowest rates*

1. Ocean Shores, WA, US: $153/night
2. Portland, OR, US: $161/night
3. Cody, WY, US: $169/night
4. Mexico City, Mexico: $190/night
5. Reno, NV, US: $190/night
6. Salt Lake City, UT, US: $192/night
7. Toronto, Canada: $202/night
8. Houston, TX, US: $205/night
9. San Antonio, TX, US: $212/night
10. Denver, CO, US: $214/night

Destinations outside North America with the lowest rates*

1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: $105/night
2. Bangkok, Thailand: $124/night
3. Berlin, Germany: $143/night
4. Lisbon, Portugal: $153/night
5. Seoul, South Korea: $162/night
6. Madrid, Spain: $172/night
7. Istanbul, Turkey: $176/night
8. Athens, Greece: $176/night
9. Auckland, New Zealand: $180/night
10. Cartagena, Colombia: $182/night

Our takeaways: The majority of destinations around North America with affordable nightly rates are what we’d consider “outdoorsy” – great for the traveler looking to get outside. International destinations with affordable hotels overlap with regions that may see the lowest increase in airfare prices, which could mean spending less overall to visit a bucket list destination, despite the general rising cost of airfare.

*KAYAK US considered standard, double occupancy hotel searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.20.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

Rental car trends.

The demand for rental cars is going down.

When it comes to search interest and prices, rental cars are in a league of their own. This past year was still a little chaotic for those looking for a ride – especially with residual demand and lack of inventory left over from 2021. With many of these issues in the rearview, we expect to see rental car searches and rates start to level out. Based on our numbers, here’s what you can expect to see for rental cars over the next year:

• There’s more interest abroad. Domestic rental car searches are down 21% compared to last year, whereas international searches are up 41%.*
• Drivers know what they want. What do they want? Some want luxury – luxury car rentals are up 25% in 2023 compared to 2022. Others want something more sustainable – searches for electric car rentals increased 136% compared to last year.*
• This car won the popularity contest. By “this car” we mean this particular type, which was the most popular class of car among renters in 2022. Compact cars took the top spot this year, which could spell out more interest in these types of rentals in 2023.*

Our takeaways: There is less demand for rental cars in 2023 (-3%) compared to 2022. For those who are seeking rented rides, specific classes of cars are all the rage, including EVs – which could continue into the next year, since prices at the pump are still higher than usual. 

*KAYAK US considered rental car searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.30.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. For YoY comparison of car categories, the same search dates in 2021 and the same travel dates in 2022 were used. 

Rental prices are matching search energy.

Search interest isn’t the only thing that’s going down – rental prices also saw decreases over the past year. Though average domestic car rentals are down 7%, international rental car rates have risen 12%, matching the increased search interest for rented vehicles. Based on our numbers, here are destinations where drivers can expect lower rental rates:

Destinations around North America with rental deals*

1. Cancun, Mexico: $37/day
2. Aruba: $58/day
3. Miami, FL, US: $59/day
4. Fort Lauderdale, FL, US: $63/day
5. Los Angeles, CA, US: $64/day
6. San Jose, CA, US: $66/day
7. San Diego, CA, US: $67/day
8. Tampa, FL, US: $68/day
9. Boston, MA, US: $68/day
10. Santa Ana, CA, US: $69/day

Destinations outside North America with rental deals*

1. Bangkok, Thailand: $37/day
2. Málaga, Spain: $43/day
3. San José, Costa Rica: $45/day
4. Cape Town, South Africa: $49/day
5. Liberia, Costa Rica: $51/day
6. Athens, Greece: $53/day
7. Madrid, Spain: $57/day
8. Frankfurt, Germany: $59/day
9. Lisbon, Portugal: $59/day
10. Auckland, New Zealand: $59/day

Our takeaways: Rental rates as a whole are dropping it low(er), with a 5% decrease in daily rates compared to those in 2022. For the best deals in and around the US, travelers will find the cheapest rentals located in California and Florida. For international car rentals, travelers can expect to pay less than $60 a day at the most affordable destinations. 

*KAYAK US considered rental car searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.30.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.

That was… a lot of information, even for  data geeks like us. If there’s one thing we took away from all these insights, it’s that rising costs won’t keep travelers from seeing the world. Remember, we always have tools and tips to help you navigate these pricey times, pursue those dream destinations and carpe that diem. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletters to get more on the latest travel trends and information (but they’re never as long as this post, we promise).

The post Travel trends for 2023 appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

There’s a lot that goes into travel planning. Finding flights and hotels, packing, online check-in, figuring out how to get to and from the airport… thankfully, we created a tool that keeps everything organized for you. That way, you can focus on the important things — like snorkeling with sea turtles and eating your weight in poke. KAYAK Trips makes sure you have all your travel plans in one place to help you feel confident about the journey ahead. Oh, and did we mention that, unlike those other itinerary apps, it’s totally free?

Here’s how to get organized with Trips:

1. Automatically import all your travel plans

So, you’re going on a trip. You’ve booked a flight, hotel or vacation home, maybe a rental car, oh and a few restaurants, some tours and activities, maybe even a spa appointment…how are you going to organize it all?

With Trips email sync, you simply connect your Gmail or Outlook to Trips (or forward your travel confirmation emails to trips@kayak.com) and KAYAK will automatically import any travel bookings for your upcoming trip. To set it up, sign in to your KAYAK account, go to Trips and click the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. From the drop-down menu, select “Settings” and under the first heading, “Connect your inbox” you’ll see the option to add your email address. Simple as that.

Don’t want to sync up your email? We get it. Just forward any confirmations you receive to trips@kayak.com and it will be added to your trip (PS This email forwarding also works for confirmations beyond flights, hotels and rental cars — like restaurant reservations, tour confirmations and more).

2. Keep track of flights, hotels and rental cars

You can use Trips even before you make set plans for your next trip – we know the best vacations come out of daydreams.

No matter what you’re searching for – from flights to stays to rental cars and more – anything you want to save for later on KAYAK gets added to a new Trip. Meaning, you can check back any time to see how prices are faring on the options you’re interested in.

3. Access from any device – even while offline

Don’t have WiFi while you’re on the move? With the KAYAK app, you can still see all your Trips info, even when you don’t have access to the internet. All of the details for your trip, from hotel reservations, flight numbers, and OpenTable reservations are sorted by time and waiting for you in the app.

Bonus reason to love this feature: you’re being environmentally friendly by opting out of printing stacks of confirmation info. Nice.

4. Easily share plans with friends/family

Keep everyone in the know about your vacay plans by sharing your Trips link via text or email. Click the sharing logo in the upper right-hand corner of your selected Trip, then use the dropdown option under “Let someone view” to choose how much access they get.

That way, your nearest and dearest can receive flight status updates, hotel information and more. Whether they’re helping you edit your plans or just want to stay informed, Trips makes it easy for loved ones to follow along. Plus, if you’re planning a group trip, this is a great way to get your travel companions to give input on the things they want to do and see, add hotel or flight details, etc. In short, this creates a space where everyone can get on the same page.

5. Receive updates on your flights

With Trips, once your flight is booked you can stop worrying over last-minute details. Gate changes, flight delays, check-in reminders — Trips will keep tabs on all of these and will keep you posted on what you need to know. You can elect to receive updates via notifications, email, SMS or Facebook messenger (or all four if that’s your thing).

6. Use assisted check-in for your flight

It’s the 21st century, so of course, you’re checking in online. But even still — remembering or typing in an awkward confirmation number (or having to install an app for each individual airline. Like your phone needs that right now) can be frustrating. Instead, you can “Check in with KAYAK” directly through our app. In one seamless experience, we’ll remind you when check-in opens, send you to your airline’s mobile site, fill in your reservation info, and start the check-in process. All you have to worry about is choosing the best seat in the cabin (if you haven’t already).

7. Show off your stats

Earn bragging rights. With each new Trip, we’ll update your “Trip Stats,” so you can keep track of things like how many countries you’ve visited, how many miles you’ve flown, how many nights you’ve spent away and more. Share your stats with friends and followers, or enjoy a little personal ego boost.

8. Driving directions, Siri shortcuts and more

Like the bonus tracks on an album, Trips comes with other cool features. Say you’ve rented a car in another city and need to figure out how to get to the hotel. Simply click the “Get directions” link in your Trips and it’ll navigate you there. Or if you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language and hop in a taxi, you can select “Show driver” for an enlarged view of the address.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the KAYAK app to confidently plan and manage your next trip.

9) Show off your stats.

Earn bragging rights. With each new Trip, we’ll update your “Trip Stats,” so you can keep track of things like how many countries you’ve visited, how far you’ve traveled, how many nights you’ve spent away from home and more. Share your stats with friends and followers, or enjoy a little personal ego boost.

10) Driving directions, Siri shortcuts and more.

Like the bonus tracks on an album, Trips comes with some other cool features. Say you’ve rented a car in another city and need to figure out how to get to the hotel. Simply click the “Get directions” link in your Trips and it’ll navigate you there. Or if you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language and hop in a taxi, you can select “Show driver” for an enlarged view of the address.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the KAYAK app to confidently plan and manage your next trip.

The post Eight ways to travel stress-free with KAYAK Trips appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

That’s the spirit.

Between scoring touchdowns, goals and last-minute gifts, there’s no shortage of things to celebrate this month. Like our top price hacks to get the most out of your holiday car rental and great gifts to give the traveler in your life. Scroll for stories that’ll get you in the (travel) spirit.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• REALly though.
  Remember last week when we talked about the Real ID deadline approaching? Well, scratch that – the DHS has postponed it to 2025.

• Face it.
  By “it” we mean some new tech – TSA has been testing facial recognition software at 16 US airports to see if it could simplify and streamline security.

• Go with the (lava) flow.
  Hawaii’s slow travel season was reignited when the world’s largest volcano in Hilo erupted for the first time in nearly 40 years.

• Do you have service?
  EU regulators recently made it so travelers could use their phones while in flight – here’s why the FAA still prefers using airplane mode.

• Trains over planes.
  France is cutting flight emissions – the EU Commission approved banning domestic flights where train alternatives are available.

Trending travel

Dashing through the roads
Pro of driving to your holiday destination: not having to deal with the airport. Con: figuring out where to get a car… and having to actually drive. While we can’t help you with the driving part, we can help you find a rental and ways to save some money. Based on our recent data, here’s what to expect* if you’re renting a ride to your holiday celebrations:

• Expect lower prices.
  It doesn’t matter if you’re staying local or going abroad, rides will cost less than they did last holiday season. When comparing prices year over year, international rentals are 6% cheaper and domestic rental prices are 17% cheaper.

• Best domestic rental dates.
  For non-New Years holidays, the sooner you drive the better – our numbers show that the cheapest day to start your rental is on 12/19 with a median price of $64 a day. For New Year’s road trips, the cheapest day to rent a car is on New Year’s Eve.

• Best international rental dates.
  For those leaving the country to celebrate, the best day to book your rented ride is on 12/23 for a median price of $58 a day. Need a way to get around before then? Car rentals starting between 12/17 and 12/21 will probably cost less than $60 a day.

• Bottom line: Drivers get deals.
  With many travelers opting to fly this season, interest in driving to holiday destinations has declined. Overall, searches for domestic rentals are down 26% and searches for international rentals are down 8% – resulting in savings for those who choose to drive.

Tricks of the trade

What to get the traveler in your life
Know someone who’s always “just heading to the airport”? We asked our team what’s been their favorite items from this past year, so you know what to get the traveler in your life. Check out our 2022 holiday gift guide.

Social shoutouts

In honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recently partnered with @annieelainey to learn her tips for traveling with a disability – check out her video for the full details.  

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*Methodology: KAYAK US considered rental car searches for 7/1-12/3/2022 for travel dates 12/1-12/31/2022. For comparative data, the same search and travel dates were used in 2021.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: December 8, 2022 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Giving the gift of travel is great… but as an alternative, we asked our team of travel experts at KAYAK and OpenTable (which, ICYMI, is one of our Booking Holdings sister brands) to share their favorite travel items from the past year. As a result, we put together a little guide just for you. Here’s some gift-spiration for every type of traveler on your list:

• For the traveler who needs to hydrate…
  We all have that friend who never drinks enough water – which is why Jordan, a Digital Video Marketing Manager from our KAYAK North America team, suggests “closed-lid water bottles (extra bonus if they have a straw like this one) and travel-sized lotions/bottles”. The parched traveler on your list will thank you.

• For the traveler that’s a nervous flier…
  For Morgan, a Senior People Business Partner from our OpenTable team, a stress reliever helps take the edge off a bit. “I’m jealous of folks that find flying relaxing! As someone that is a bit of an anxious flier, I will not leave my house to get on a plane without this. It helps calm me and makes flying much more enjoyable.” Talk about a perfect stocking stuffer.

• For the traveler that doesn’t mind a layover…
  It’s nice to have somewhere to relax while waiting for your connection – just ask William, an Account Manager from our OpenTable team. He recommends giving a Priority Pass membership (or a similar program) because it’s “great for layovers, cancellations, delays and avoiding meal planning on travel days.” Want it for yourself? Check with your credit card first, many companies offer it as a membership perk.

• For the traveler that loves a good transit nap…
  Help them take their coziness to the next level – Shannon, a People Operations Specialist from our OpenTable team, loves this wearable blanket because it’s perfect to “bring for the plane – if I’m going somewhere cold it (also) comes in handy!”James, a Graphic and Motion Designer from our KAYAK LATAM team, swears by this velcro neck pillow because “you can fold over and connect with a velcro strap to have added neck support to sleep sitting up. I think it’s one of the best neck pillow designs out there!”

• For the traveler that forgets their charger…
  Having a juiced-up smartphone is a travel must – take it from Stacey, a Brand Director on our KAYAK North America team. She recommends a portable charger for someone on the go because there’s “Nothing worse than getting off a flight and realizing you have no battery to call an Uber at your destination.”

• For the traveler that could use an upgrade…
  Time for them to finally put that tattered suitcase to rest. After discovering that they had the same brand of luggage during a marketing team offsite, Kelly and Taylor, from KAYAK’s North America team, both recommend Beis for travelers seeking new luggage.Kelly, a Marketing Copywriter, said she was pleasantly surprised when she was able to “fit everything needed for a 10-day trip to France in the carry-on alone”. Taylor, a Marketing Coordinator, said she loves the weekender for “the separate shoe compartment and all the pockets! Also, it’s so pretty.” A nice bonus? Their products come in an array of colors, which makes it easy to build a matching set.

• For the traveler that needs peace and quiet…
  Noise-canceling headphones are a must for these nomads. Zachary, an Associate Commercial Partnerships Manager from our KAYAK North America team, likes these Sony Noise Canceling Headphones because “they (make) a huge difference, whether watching a video or just taking a nap with the noise canceling (feature) turned on. It was great to cancel out the (plane) engine noises.”Ralf, an SVP of Technology from our KAYAK team, actually prefers Apple’s AirPods Pro headphones instead. He noted that he “love(s) flying with (them)” and that they have “better noise-canceling and battery life”.

No matter what kind of traveler you’re shopping for this holiday season, we hope that our team of travel experts provided some bright ideas for what to give your loved one. After all, they’re going to need some new gear for all their 2023 travels.

The post Gifts ideas from those who know travel appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Consider those halls decked.

December first is here and so is the holiday season ✨ while some of us are still unpacking from Thanksgiving, it’s not too early to start planning ahead for your upcoming travels. We’ve got the latest data to help you know what to expect for busy holiday travel dates, plus a sweepstakes to help you feel extra jolly. Keep scrolling for all the details.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• This number cannot be reached.
  Frontier is shutting down their customer service line – if you need to get in touch, you can contact them via chat bot, live chat or social media.

• Talk about a throwback.
  The US Department of Transportation screened some 2.56 million travelers this past Sunday, nearly reaching pre-pandemic numbers from 2019.

• Coming soon to Belfast.
  A new airline, Fly Atlantic, is set to open in the summer of 2024 and will create more connections from North America to the UK.

• We don’t need BeReal.
  We need Real ID, apparently. Starting May 3rd, these will be the only driver’s licenses accepted for boarding commercial flights in the US.

• Choo choo troubles.
  Negotiations between rail unions and companies are still playing out, which could lead to a rail strike and cause major train disruptions.

Trending travel

It’s the most wonderful (and busy) time of the year
December may be just beginning, but we’ve got the holidays (and holiday travel) on our minds. If Thanksgiving was any indication of what the airport is going to be like, it’s a safe bet that things will be busy. Good thing we have data on our side to help us prepare ahead of time – here’s what to expect* if you plan to fly to wherever you’re celebrating this season:

• If you’re flying out these dates…
  Give yourself extra time – according to our recent numbers, the busiest days for holiday travel this year are on 12/23 and 12/22. If you plan to travel that Friday or Thursday, we’d avoid checking bags and expect larger airport lines.

• If you have yet to book…
  Save yourself from the crowds while potentially saving some money – if you waited to book, our numbers show that flying to your holiday destination on Christmas Eve could be cheaper than flying out the days before.

Tricks of the trade

Win a weekend escape in Miami Beach
Things that make us happy: art, plants, a weekend away, and the chance to win all three through a sweepstakes. To celebrate their Art Week pop-up and recent partnerships with PLANT PASSENGER, Turo, and our KAYAK Miami Beach hotel, Apostrophe Gallery is giving one lucky winner $300 in Turo travel credits, a two-night stay at our hotel, a $300 gift card to ApostropheGallery.com and a 16×24″ framed PLANT PASSENGER print. Want to learn more about this pop-up and how to enter? We thought so – follow this link for the full deets on your chance to win.

Social shoutouts

We love to ~sea~ where travel takes you – thanks for sharing this shot from Israel, @avivperets. Tag #KAYAKPicks in your next travel IG for a chance to be featured.  

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*Methodology: For Christmas travel, KAYAK considered searches from 8/1/22 – 10/25/22 for travel between 12/20/22 – 1/2/23. To compare year over year (2021) we considered searches from 8/1/21 – 10/25/21 for travel between 12/20/21 – 1/2/22. To compare year over three year (2019), we considered searches from 8/1/19 – 10/25/19 for travel between 12/20/19 – 1/2/20.

The post The Weekly Newsletter: December 1, 2022 Edition appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.