Travel Experts Reveal Best Time to Book Cheap Summer Flights Around Tisha B'Av

As summer travel peaks in July and August, flight and vacation package prices have surged, with daily passenger numbers at Ben Gurion Airport reaching around 85,000. However, travelers who book now can still find significant discounts due to a drop in demand just before Tisha B'Av, which falls on July 22 this year. Nir Mazor, Vice President of Kesher Aviation, explains that the ten days leading up to Tisha B'Av typically see a notable decline in travel demand, creating a prime opportunity for affordable summer vacations.

Mazor highlights that during this period, flight and package prices can be tens of percent lower than usual. For example, Kesher Aviation found several deals for trips booked in early to mid-July: a three-night flight and stay in Lesbos starting at 215 euros per person, compared to 280 euros the following week; a similar package to Sicily for 239 dollars, rising to 298 dollars a week later; and a trip to Tirana for 279 dollars, increasing to 362 dollars after the holiday. Longer stays, such as six nights in Crete, start at 349 dollars but jump to 418 dollars the following week.

Vacation packages also show steep price differences. A four-star hotel stay with breakfast in Athens from July 19 to 22 costs 539 dollars per person, rising to 712 dollars a week later. Similarly, a three-night stay in a four-star hotel in Albania is priced at 465 dollars before Tisha B'Av, increasing to 536 dollars afterward. Travelers who can schedule their trips just before this holiday can thus take advantage of these lower prices, even during the busy summer season.

In addition, booking flights that return in early September can also yield attractive prices, offering further savings for those flexible with their travel dates. These insights provide valuable guidance for summer travelers seeking to optimize their vacation budgets amid rising seasonal costs.