Cheapest Time to Travel to Europe

Take a ski vacation to Europe in the winter. (Photo: powder skiing image by joseph pankey from Fotolia.com )

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Travel pricing to Europe is based on seasons, with winter being the low season and least expensive time to travel, and summer being the high season, when airfares and hotels charge premium rates. The time of year you travel to Europe is the most significant factor that affects the pricing, but timing is also important in deciding when to purchase your tickets or package and which days of the week you fly.

Travel Seasons

Off-peak travel to Europe generally begins in November and runs through the end of March. During this low season, you ll probably find the cheapest prices on airfares, hotels and vacation packages or tours, but keep in mind that there are some blackout dates during holidays. Fall and spring are considered shoulder season, and there are some good values for European travel with fewer restrictions or worries about traveling in winter weather. Summer is the high season and fares, as well as hotel rates, are at their peak.