Stretch Your Dollar: Saving on European travel

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — This holiday week is expected to break travel records. If you have plans to jump the pond this summer we are stretching your dollar with how you can book a last-minute trip without breaking the bank.

Europe is always a popular travel destination but lead economist at travel site “Hopper” Hayley Berg said there’s even more demand in the summer.

“We’re expecting about 57 thousand flights to take off from us airports headed to European centers,” Berg said.

Berg said travel bookings to Europe surge this time of year because kids are off from school, and for most of Europe, the weather is best during the summer months.

“Good news for travelers to Europe. Prices are down about 16% compared to this time last year,” Berg said.

If you’re looking to get a deal on a last-minute trip, berg said you need to act fast and book now.

She suggests skipping the most popular and expensive destinations like London, Rome, and especially Paris where the Olympics will be hosted later this month.

Opt instead for cities that are off the beaten path, like Reykjavik, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

All three are still under $500 or $600 round trip from the U.S. this summer, have a little bit more temperate weather during those hottest months and are definitely going to have fewer crowds.

Berg said one of the best ways to save is to fly during the week. You can save about $400 a ticket if you can leave on Tuesday or Wednesday and return early in the week. Skip the weekend, which is the most expensive.

She also said the end of August and early September is a money saver if you’re not up against school schedules.

They may be 30% lower for flexible travelers.