Labor Day is around the corner and many summer fun seekers from Lynn, Peabody and Somerville have locked in their plans already. But if you haven’t booked your trip for the last summer hurrah, you are still in luck and deals are still to be found.
Believe it or not, Labor Day flights are the cheapest in four years, according to a new study by travel website Hopper. The average price for a round trip flight is about $255 today versus $294 in 2014–14% less! While Hopper said buying during the first full week of August will produce the best deal, you can still get in on some low priced flights if you know what to do.
First, Hopper suggests that you buy as soon as possible as airfare prices will rise $10 to $15 a day leading up to the two weeks before Labor Day weekend. Also, round trip flight prices between Friday, August 31 and Monday, September 3 are currently averaging about $230. You can save the most money by leaving on Saturday, September 1 and returning Wednesday, September 5.
And while you can get a great day traveling around the holiday weekend, you should know which days to avoid if possible. Leaving Friday, August 31 and returning Monday, September 3 are the most expensive times to travel. Play with dates to compare different prices on various carriers using Kayak, Expedia or TripAdvisor.
So what’s the cheapest last minute flight you can get? Hopper created a customized list for Community Credit Union members and the 5 cheapest U.S. destinations from Boston for Labor Day Weekend include:
- Baltimore (BWI): $114 RT
- Atlanta (ATL): $115 RT
- Myrtle Beach (MYR): $122 RT
- Chicago (CHI): $126 RT
- New York City (LGA): $130 RT
How to save on hotel accommodations
You can get a better deal on last minute hotel accomodations if you book through a third party website like Priceline or Hotwire, according to Forbes. While you are taking a chance that popular hotels may be booked, any last minute vacancies can be a boon for travelers as hotels would rather fill rooms, even at a discounted price.
Also, both of these sites also offer “mystery deals” too, which allow you to book a room for 60% off the regular rate. Of course the downside is you don’t know where you are going until the mystery is revealed.
You can also grab a quick deal on hotel booking app, HotelTonight. The company is offering a quick “Daily Drop” opportunity every day that features a sweet deal–about 30% off rates–based on your personal preferences. The only catch is the offer only offered within a 15 minute window–so you have to be on your travel game.
Finally, one other way to maximize your trip and get rewards for your adventures is with a Community Credit Union credit card. Earn points for travel, cash back or merchandise just for using your card. You also receive other money saving travel benefits like rental car coverage and global assistant services.
Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and take lots of pictures! Share your deal with us by tagging us in your vacation photos on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.