Best Times to Book Affordable Summer Flights for 2024

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This week in travel news: Italy bans gelato, central London deals with runaway horses, Athens experiences orange fog, and find out the best dates and times to book summer flights if you're up for the challenge.

The best time for Americans to book summer travel is in mid-to-late August, according to travel company Expedia. During this time, it is expected to be less busy, and travelers can save up to $265 on roundtrip tickets compared to the last week of June when fares are at their highest.

For the best deals on summer flights, it is suggested to book your tickets between 21 to 60 days before your departure date. Last year, travelers who booked during this timeframe saved approximately 15% on both domestic and international travel.

Travelers who chose to depart on a Monday for international flights or on a Tuesday for domestic flights also experienced similar savings. This was in comparison to those who selected the more popular Thursday and Friday departure days.

Booking too early or too late can be a mistake. According to a study, travelers paid 15% more than average if they booked more than 90 days in advance for international trips or less than a week in advance for domestic trips.

The week leading up to the Fourth of July, which falls on a Thursday this year, is expected to be the busiest time to fly. Additionally, flights scheduled after 3 p.m. were found to be 50% more likely to be canceled, so it might be beneficial to book flights earlier in the day.

Europe had a busy week with exciting events happening in its capitals and popular tourist spots. In Athens and other parts of Greece, a stunning orange haze from the Sahara desert drifted north, creating spectacular scenes. Meanwhile, in Helsinki, nearly eight inches of snow brought the city to a halt, with what was described as "freak April weather" hitting Finland.

Five horses ran away in central London, crashing into cars after breaking free from a military exercise near Buckingham Palace. Two of them are badly hurt, according to reports on Thursday.

Venice faced protests as it introduced a new entrance fee for day-trippers, making it the first city in the world to do so. The pilot scheme will be in place until mid-July.

And lastly, the blades of the iconic Moulin Rouge windmill in Paris broke off, causing damage to the building's facade. This occurred overnight, but fortunately, no one was injured.

Food and drink

If you happen to find yourself in the artsy Colonia Juárez neighborhood in Mexico City, keep an eye out for a mysterious black door with the number "13" on it. This door leads to the Handshake Speakeasy, recently named the "Best Bar in North America" by 50 Best. Behind this unassuming entrance, you can enjoy high-end cocktails if you manage to locate it.

Meanwhile, across the pond in London, the laid-back Bethnal Green cocktail bar Satan’s Whiskers was awarded the title of "Best Bar in the UK" at the Class Bar Awards. However, the talk of the town this week revolved around The Black Dog pub in South London, which was mentioned in a Taylor Swift song.

Swift's song tells the story of her ex who forgot to turn off his location settings, allowing her to see him heading to the pub after their breakup. If you're someone who is always on the move, our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have compiled a helpful guide to the top wearable technology options for you.

Imagine traveling from London to Lagos in a small car.

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How one woman drove from London to Lagos in her old Peugeot 107

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CNN

Pelumi Nubi, a Londoner, embarked on a two-month solo drive from London to Lagos, Nigeria in a Peugeot 107. She traveled through 17 countries and described the journey as an amazing adventure with many unexpected delights.

A pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers. 

Love was in the air.

An Italian city wants to put a curfew on gelato and pizza. 

Don’t feed after midnight.

An American landmark is getting a $100 million makeover.

It was the gateway to the US for millions of immigrants.

This classic British candy could soon vanish.

Here’s why.

Editor's P/S:

This week's travel news was a whirlwind of events, from quirky to unexpected. The runaway horses in London brought a touch of chaos to the city's streets, while the orange fog in Athens created a surreal and breathtaking spectacle. The introduction of an entrance fee for day-trippers in Venice sparked protests, highlighting the ongoing debate over tourism and its impact on local communities.

For savvy travelers, the article provides valuable insights into booking summer flights. The optimal time to book for Americans is mid-to-late August, offering significant savings compared to peak season. Booking between 21 to 60 days before departure and opting for weekday flights can further reduce costs. The article also emphasizes the importance of avoiding last-minute bookings and flights scheduled after 3 p.m. to minimize the risk of cancellations.